Author 




Title 



Imprint 



BookUJTnUS 



^enisoris Select Vlays 




zMiss Jack 

Mdllian^ortimer 



'^.S.T)enison I^Company 

publishers • Chicago 

Ulrica 55 cents 







Plays the Public Likes 

AARON BOGGS. FRESHMAN 

By Walter Ben Hare. Comedy in 3 acts; 8 males, 8 fe- 
males. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

ABBU SAN OF OLD JAPAN 

By Walter Ben Hare. Comedy-drama in 2 acts; 15 
females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 



THE CAMOUFLAGE OF SHIRLEY 

By Lindsay Barbae. Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 8 males, 
10 females. Time, 21^4 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE DEACON ENTANGLED 

By Harry Osborne. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 4 fe- 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE FIFTEENTH OF JANUARY 

By Lindsay Barbae. Comedy in -3 acts; 11 males, 10 
females. Time, 2*4 hours. . Price, 35 Cents. 

THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

By Edith F. A, U. Painton. Comedy-drama in 3 actsi 
5 males, 10 females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

MRS. TUBBS DOES HER BIT 

By Walter Ben Hare. Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 7 males, 
7 females. Time, 214 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

AN OLD FASHIONED MOTHER 

By Walter Ben Hare. Dramatic parable in 3 acts; 6 
males, 6 females. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 



OUT OF THE STILLNESS 

By Lindsay Barbee. Comedy-drama in 3 acts; S males, 
9 females. Time, 2i^ hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

A PRAIRIE ROSE 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Comedy-drama in 4 acts; 
7 males, 4 females. Time, 214 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE SPELL OF THE IMAGE 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy-drama in prologue and 3 
acts; 10 males, 10 females. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

STAR BRIGHT 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 
6 males, 5 females. Time, 2^ hours. Price, 35 Cents. 



T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

623 S. Wabash Ave. CHICAGO 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



A Comedy- Drama 

In Four Acts 



BY 

Lillian Mortimer 

K 
AUTHOR OF 

'The City Feller," "The Road to the City," etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



133S2.S 

.67779/^5" 



/?^4 



Out of the darkness of poverty and suffering a 
strange whim of circumstance brought Jacqueline 
into her rightful inheritance. But the shadow of ferim 
tragedy lurked always behind the bright curtain of 
romance. How many ^irls would have faced their 
enemies with the courafee of Little Miss Jack ? 



cNOTICE 
PRODUCTION OF THIS PLAY 
■*• is free to amateurs, but the sole 
professional rights are reserved by 
the author, who may be addressed 
in care of the publishers. Motion 
picture and fiction rights reserved. 



COPYRIGHT, 1922 
LILLL\N cMORTIMER 



M 2A 1922 



LITTLE MISS JACK 

FOR SIX MEN AND FIVE WOMEN 



THE CHARACTERS 

{In the order in which they appear or speak.) 

Maggie A Girl of the Bowery 

JiMMiE With No Taste for "Woik" 

Julia Trevors. . . .Who Has Been a Mother to Jack 

Jacqueline Little Miss Jack 

Doctor Carlyle A Successful Physician 

Paul Sanborn His Assistant 

Neena The Doctor's Adopted Daughter 

Aunt Kathie The Doctor's Sister 

Rider A Social Hanger-On 

Drake A Justice of the Peace 

Jones .■._j.,-.«.«ri»^ Of the Police 

Place — New York City. ' 

Time — The Present. 



Time of Playing — About Txvo Hours. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

Act I. The tenement home of Juha Trevors in the 
Bowery of New York City. Evening. 

Act II. The hbrary in Dr. Carlyle's home in a 
fashionable quarter of the city. An hour later. 

Act hi. Same scene as Act II. Evening, four 
months later. 

Act IV. A miserable room in an east side tenement. 
That night. 

3 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Maggie. Aged 17. An energetic, big hearted, gum 
chewing, illiterate bowery girl who has her troubles 
with Jimmie, her "steady." She is devoted to Jack, 
and adores the Doctor. Shabby dress, shoes too large, 
loud stockings, hair an exaggeration of the latest 
mode, for Act I. Short, loud striped skirt that sags 
in the back, loud hose and large white canvas shoes, 
large white cotton gloves, bright beads and long, cheap 
earrings, small hat with scraggly, drooping bright 
feathers ; carries a ridiculous purse and chews gum ex- 
citedly, for Act III. A long, loose, calico wrapper that 
she can slip out of quickly ; small shawl worn over her 
head; scraggly gray wig (a little large, to be easily 
put on and removed) ; funny pair of old-fashioned cor- 
sets ; long-sleeved, red flannel shirt and flannel or funny 
striped petticoat, for Act IV. 

Jimmie. Aged 21. A wide-awake, shrewd, happy- 
go-lucky, impertinent boy of the bowery, whose chief 
aim is to please "Mag" and avoid "woik." Light 
trousers, belt, canvas shoes, all shabby and worn ; shirt 
of flannel or muslin, open at the neck ; no collar or tie ; 
cap pulled down over one eye, for Act I. Cheap, light 
"store suit" of very loud pattern, and a little too small 
for him ; high white collar that worries his ears ; red 
neck ; red necktie ; purple socks ; white canvas shoes ; 
stiff straw hat with bright ribbon band ; loud shirt with 
great display of cuffs ; belt with flashy buckle, for 
Acts III and IV. 

Julia Trevors. Aged 36. A refined, handsome 
woman whose face shows the struggle with poverty and 
sickness. Her hair is prematurely gray, and she is 
very pale. She may wear a shabby one-piece dress of 
dark calico with a shawl around her shoulders, or a 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



shabby bathrobe ; black cotton stockings and worn house 
shppers. (Can double as Aunt Kathie.) 

Jack. Aged 16. A sweet, childlike girl, generous 
and lovable ; bright and frank with her friends, but 
shy with strangers ; devoted to Mrs. Trevors and fond 
of Maggie and Jimmie ; in marked contrast with Neena, 
she is quite ignorant of the world. Her first costume 
includes a pair of jean jumpers or overalls; shabby 
shoes ; gingham shirt and a boy's large straw hat, from 
which she changes to a quaint, old fashioned dress with 
a skirt that is too long ; white cotton hose and strapped 
Slippers ; old-style hat or bonnet ; her hair hangs in 
curls. She must look old fashioned, yet quaint and 
sweet, in Act I. She wears this same costume in Act II 
until she changes to a pretty evening gown of white, 
with silver or white satin evening slippers and hose to 
match. (There is a hole in the toe of her right stock- 
ing, for business when Paul changes the slippers.) Low 
necked, one-piece dress of black canton crepe, with 
dainty white lace collar and cuffs; black silk hose and 
satin slippers, for Act III. The same, with Neena's 
cloak, for Act IV. 

Doctor Carlyle. Aged 42. A handsome man, 
with hair quite gray over the temples ; wears eyeglasses ; 
rather gruff, but generous and kind hearted ; he devotes 
half his time to attending the poor of the lower east 
side. Business suit, somewhat worn ; cap or soft hat : 
auto coat (optional), for Act I. Same for Act II. 
Neater business suit for Acts III and IV. 

Paul, Sanborn. Aged 24. A manly young fellow, 
straightforward and honest ; is devoted to the doctor, 
whom he admires immensely ; his heart goes out in sym- 
pathy to Jack the moment he sees her. Dark business 
suit with auto coat and cap, for Act I. Same for Act II. 
Lighter business suit for Acts III and IV. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



Neena. Aged 16. A worldly-wise, up-to-date girl, 
selfish and heartless ; loves Paul and hates Jack ; is 
determined to have her way, whatever the cost. Costly 
hat and handsome auto coat for Act I, concealing pretty 
dinner gown to make quick change for Act II ; satin 
pumps or slippers ; silk hose. Removes coat and hat 
after first exit in Act II. Fashionable afternoon frock, 
under handsome long cloak or coat ; silk hose and 
brocaded or satin slippers ; small hat ; bead bag or 
fancy purse, for Act III. 

Aunt Kathie. Aged 50. A dignified, aristocratic 
woman with snow white hair, dressed in the latest mode. 
A black or gray dinner gown, with diamond brooch, for 
Act II. Handsome dinner gown for Act III. 

Rider. Aged 30. A smooth, keen, man-about-town, 
who seems always to have plenty of time and money; 
is received in the best set, is popular with the women, 
but is regarded by the men with suspicion : a rather 
extravagant dresser. Light-colored business suit ; tan 
shoes, hose and gloves, for Act II, Dark cutaway or 
frock coat with gardenia in buttonhole ; gray trousers ; 
silk hat ; gray gloves ; patent leather shoes ; gray spats 
— or fashionable business suit with black derby — -for 
Act III. Same, with top coat or auto coat, for Act IV. 

Drake. Aged 50. Very disreputable looking; shifty- 
eyed; unshaven; appears only once, and has but a few 
lines to speak. Shabby shoes, suit and hat. (Can double 
as Jones.) 

Jones. Appears only once, and has no lines to 
speak. May appear either as a uniformed policeman, 
or as a plain clothes man with a badge. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



PERSONAL PROPERTIES 

Maggie — Pillow, comforter, matches, lamp, chewing 
gum, glass pitcher with water for Act I ; old crockery 
pitcher with water for Act IV, gray wig, little shawl. 

JiMMiE — Unloaded revolver. 

Julia Trevoes — None. 

Jack — An orange, a bundle of newspapers, silver 
dollar, small bottle wrapped in paper and filled with 
water for medicine, old-fashioned satchel, silver slippers, 
nightgown, hose, comb, brush, tooth brush, white petti- 
coat, etc., to pack in satchel, skein of yarn, small Bible. 

Doctor — Cigars, medicine case, newspaper, water 
pitcher and glass, paper powde-rs, pencil, small pad of 
paper or notebook, glasses and handkerchief. 

Paul, — None. 

Neena — Purse. 

Aunt Kathie — Brooch. 

Rider — Matches, powder in paper, cigar, a roll of 
paper money. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 




^/ Bedroom 
Door 



SCENE PLOT. 
Act I. 

Plain Interior Backing 



|Hall Doorl- 



Chalr D 



r— 1 Rocking 
'-' Chair 



\ 



Chair D 



o 



Pitcher \ 
& Glass 



Lamp 



Right 



Acts II and III. 

Fa n cy Interior Backing 



Left 




Screen C:^ Q 
VV Phone Chair 



-\ Arch h 



□ 



^,,„,, Chair Bookcase . ^_ 

Table Library Tab le " 

Flowers - I — ^O 1 I I >^ 

_^/ Right Door | -— i Easy Left Door \^ 

1 Chair "^ V*;. 

<i7 / Settee 



1 



Right 



Right 




Act IV. 

Rough Interior Backing 



Platform 
-[ Opening [- 



-Steps; 



String 



Box^O □ 



Left 



Left 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 

Up stage means away from footlights ; down stage, 
near footlights. In the use of right and left, the actor 
is supposed, to be facing the audience. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



The First Act. 
Scene : The tenement home of Julia Trevors in 
the Bowery of New York City. A plain chamber inte- 
rior, with a door left of center leading into the hall and 
a door right leading to another room. Plain interior 
hacking for each door. Everything indicates extreme 
poverty. Down left of center is a cheap table with a 
threadbare spread, and on it a lamp, a pitcher and a 
drinking glass. At the right side of the table is a 
kitchen chair. Another cheap chair is up right of 
center, yiear the rear wall, and a rocking chair is down 
near the right door. A ragged rug or two may be on 
the hare floor. In the rocking chair there are several 
pillows and a ragged comforter or blanket. 

Lights: Up three-quarters until lamp is lighted. 
Then up full. 

• The rise of the curtain reveals Maggie arranging 
the pillows and comforter in the rocking chair. 

JiMMiE sneaks in the center door sheepishly. 

JiMMiE. What ye doin', Mag? 

Maggie {standing erect). Well, say! Where ye 
ben all day? 

Jimmie {guiltily). Me? 

Maggie. Yes, you. What did you tell me, eh? Didn't 
you say if I'd marry you you wouldn't make me no 
more trouble? Didn't you? You said you'd get a re- 
spectable job and be honest, didn't you? And here 
you've ben gone all day, and come home lookin' like 
a low-down sneak. What ye ben doin' — pickin' pockets ? 

9 



^0 LITTLE MISS JACK 

JiMMiE. Aw, say, Mag- — I've ben lookin' for woik. 

Maggie. You can't lie to me. 

JiMMiE. Honest, Mag. 

Maggie. Then what ye lookin' so sneakin' about.? 

JiMMiE. I ain't lookin' sneakin', Mag. 

Maggie. You are, too. 

JiMMiE. Mag, I was lookin' for honest woik. 

Maggie. Yes, and prayin' ye wouldn't get it. 

JiMMiE. Mag, I'm goin' to woik to-morrow. 

Maggie. Jimmie Branagan ! 

JiMMiE. Honest. Cross my heart. 

Maggie. Where.? 

Jimmie. Stein's sweat shop. 

Maggie. How much you goin' to get? 

Jimmie. Seventy-five cents a day. (Grins.) Great, 
ain't it.? Workin' from seven a. m. till five p. m. for 
seventy-five cents! 

Maggie. Well, it's honest. 

Jimmie {sneeringly) . Yes it is! 

Maggie. Why ain't it? 

Jimmie. I'd be honest. But it don't make de crooks 
honest dat makes me woik for seventy-five cents a day. 

Maggie. Ye see? I know you won't stay there. 
{Cries.) 

Jimmie, I'm goin' to give it a honest try, Mag. 
Kin a guy do more? {Embraces her.) 

Maggie. When do you begin? 

Jimmie. To-mon-ow at seven a. m. Oh, mama ! 

Maggie. Oh, Jimmie, I am glad. Save y'r money 
and I'll save mine, and then we can be married when 
we've saved fifty dollars. 

Jimmie. Say, Mag. By dat time I'll have whiskers 
down to here. {Points to knees.) 

Maggie. Oh, poor Mrs. Trevors is waitin' to come 
out here so' I kin make her bed. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 11 

JiMMiE. How is she to-day? 

Maggie. She ain't no better. She's sent for Doctor 
Carlyle. 

JiMMiE. Who's he? 

Maggie. Why, he's the doctor that comes to see the 
poor and don't charge nothing. 

JiMMiE. A charity guy. 

Maggie. Well, I think it's pretty kind of him, be- 
lieve me. {Fixes chair.) I wanted to call him in long 
ago, but Mrs. Trevors would have a fit. 

JiMMiE. She's awful proud. 

Maggie. You bet. She kept saying she'd get better, 
but I knowed she wouldn't. Now I guess she's afraid. 
She made me go to de comer and 'phome de doctor. 

Mrs. Trevors (calls faintly, off right). Maggie. 

Maggie (calls). Yes, Mrs. Trevors, I'm comin'. 
(Going right.) Jimmie! (Motions Jimmie to go, and 
exits right door.) 

Jimmie. Yep. (He starts to go out, but remains 
standing awhwardly near center door.) 

Maggie and Mrs. Trevors enter right. Maggie 
leads Mrs. Trevors carefully, and seats her in the rock- 
ing chair. Mrs. Trevors is very pale and weak. 

Maggie. There. (Fixes pillow.) 

Mrs. Trevors. What time is it, Maggie? 

Maggie. It's about half-past-four, Mrs. Trevors. 

Mrs. Trevors. The doctor? 

Maggie. Yes, ma'am. He said he'd be here by five. 

Mrs. Trevors. And Jackie? 

Maggie. Jackie? (Mrs. Trevors nods her head 
"yes.") Oh, she was in about two. You was sleepin'. 
She sneaked in and kissed you. Then she had some 
bread and butter and said, "Tell mother the papers are 
sellin' fine." 



n LITTLE MISS JACK 

Mrs. Trevors. My poor little Jack. 

Maggie (aside to Jimmie). Git out! (Jimmie 
jumps.) I'll go in and shake up your bed, Mrs. 
Trevors. 

Mrs. Trevors. How kind you are to me, Maggie. 
I, can never repay you, I'm afraid. 

Maggie. Ah, forgit it, Mrs. Trevors. I love to do 
it. Ain't you ben kind to me? I'll go fix your bed. 

(Looks at Jimmie, motions him '^get out" and exits 
right door.) 

Jimmie (coming down to Mrs. Trevors). How are 
you, Mrs. Trevors.? Anyt'ing I kin do for ye.^* 

Mrs. Trevors (smiles). You're a good boy, Jimmie. 

Jimmie (embarrassed). Y&&, ma'am. I got a job. 

Mrs. Trevors, Oh, I'm so glad. 

Jimmie. Yes, ma'am. Next week, after I git me 
wages, you kin have somet'ing good to eat. Some 
peaches — and — and — pork chops — an' pie. Den you'll 
soon be on your feet ag'in. What you need is a good 
square meal to stick behind your gums. 

Mrs. Trevors (smiles faintly). Thank you, Jimmie. 
But I'm afraid it is too late. Just the same, heaven 
will bless you for all your kindness to me. 

Jimmie. Yes, ma'am. Will you have a ice cream 
cone.? (Mrs. Trevors shakes her head "no.'^) I kin 
stand Dooley off for a lemon sody if ye t'ink you'd 
like it. 

Mrs. Trevors (smiles). No, thank you, Jimmie. 

Jimmie. Yes, ma'am. Anyt'ing else I kin do for ye? 
(Backs to center door.) 

Mrs. Trevors. No, thank you. 

The center door opens suddenly and Jack comes in. 
She closes the door as she speaks. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 13 

Jack. Hello, Jimmie. (Sees Mrs. Trevors.) Oh, 
mother! {Runs to and kneels beside her.) See what 
I've brought you. Orange Ben, at the fruit store, gave 
it to me. And look! (Holds up silver dollar.) A kind 
old gentleman bought a paper, and he said, "Why do 
you dress like a boy.'^" And I said, "Because jumpers 
are cheaper than dresses." Then he told me to keep 
the change. What shall I buy for you, dearest? 

Jimmie (helpfully). Get some corn beef and cabbage. 

Jack (scornfully). Corn beef and cabbage! Shall 
I get some ice cream, mother .f* Oh, I know. We'll give 
it to the doctor, eh, dearest.'^ 

Jimmie (disgusted). Kin ye beat dat! (Sits in chair 
near hall door.) 

Jack. How white you are, mo'ther. Are you feeling 
worse .P Oh, you will get better, won't you, dearest .f* 

Mrs. Trevors. Dear little Jack, I'm going to try 
now to make up to you for all the years of misery and 
hunger I've brought you to. You love me, don't you.'* 

Jack. Love you, mother? Well I guess yes. You've 
been the best and dearest mother in all the wide world. 
(Hugs her.) 

Maggie enters, right door. 

Maggie. Hello, Jackie. Mrs. Trevors, do you want 
to go back to your bed now? 

Mrs. Trevors. No, Maggie. I'll stay here until the 
doctor comes. 

Jack. See, Maggie, what a kind old gentleman gave 
me. (Holds up the silver dollar.) 

Maggie. Gee ! A whole dollar ! 

Jack. I'll tell the world. 

Maggie. Jimmie Branagan ! Can't you find some- 
ing to do? 



14 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Jim. Gee, Mag, can't you let me rest? I gotta woik 
all day to-morrow. 

Jack. Oh, Jimmie, are you going to work — honest? 
JiMMiE. Yep. What do you know about it ! 
Jack. Isn't that fine ! 
Jimmie (disgusted). Great! 

Dr. Carlyle Jcnocks at hall door. 

Maggie. Sh! Dere's de doctor. (Jack jumps up. 
]\L\GGiE pushes Jimmie toward right.) Go on in dere. 
Hurry up ! Mrs. Trevors wants to be alone wid de 
doctor. 

Jack. Must I go, too? Oh, can't I stay? 

Maggie. No, no. Beat it. 

(Jack and Jimmie exeunt, right door. Maggie opens 
hall door.) 

Dr. Carlyle, carrying his medicine case, steps in 
briskly. Maggie closes the door. Lights gradually dim 
to three-quarters. 

Doctor {breezily). Am I in the right place? Does 
Mrs. Trevors want to see me? {Puts his case on table.) 

Maggie. Yes, sir. 

Doctor (putting on glasses, sees Mrs. Trevors). 
Ah, here we are, eh? 

Maggie. Yes, sir. That's Mrs. Trevors. Call me 
if you want me, sir. (Exits, right door.) 

Doctor. Yes, my girl. (Brings chair down stage 
and sits beside Mrs. Trevors.) Well, you don't look 
very fit, but we'll soon remedy that. 

Mrs. Trevors. Dr. Carlyle — you don't remember 
me. (Shakes head sadly.) How time changes us. 

T)oCTOR (thoughtfully) . Your face is familiar. Have 
I — (trying to remember) . Trevors — your eyes — Why, 



LITTLE MISS JACK 15 

surely not — not — Julia Raymond? (Mrs. Trjevors 
nods her head "e/^5.") 

Doctor (^astonished). Julia Raymond ! Why, what 
are you doing here? 

Mrs. Trevors. It's a long, long story. I am dying. 
James, I have sent for you to tell you what I never ex- 
pected to tell a living soul. But it is for her sake — for 
Jackie's sake. 

Doctor (rises and crosses to table). Wait. {Takes 
a powder from case, puts it in glass of water, crosses 
and gives it to Mrs. Trevors.) Drink this, Julia. 

Mrs. Trevors {drinks). Thank you, James. I am 
dying, I know. James, you Avill forgive me — anything 
— now. 

Doctor. I am afraid it is I who should ask forgive- 
ness, Julia. 

Mrs. Trevors. James, when you — threw me over — • 
sixteen years ago, and married Ellen Marsh — I wanted 
to die. Then I grew strong with hate, and wanted to 
live. My one thought, day and night, was revenge. 

Doctor. I — {Covers his face with hands.) I have 
no excuse. 

Mrs. Trevors. Ah, well, that is past and gone. I 
must tell you why I sent for you. {Pause.) When your 
baby was born — your little girl — 

Doctor {rising quickly). Julia! 

Mrs. Trevors. Yes, it was I who stole her. 

Doctor. You don't mean — ? 

Mrs. Trevors. Listen. Let me tell you while I have 
the strength. (Doctor sinlis back into his chair.) I am 
glad your wife died without knowing. Yes, I know you 
put another child, a foundling, in your wife's arms; be- 
cause the shock of the loss of her baby, had she known, 
would have killed her. You saved me that awful re- 



16 LITTLE MISS JACK 

morse. I know that your wife died five years ago a,nd 
that you have raised the foundhng as your own. 

Doctor. But my own baby.'' 

Mks. Trevors. She is hving — here in tliis hovel. A 
poor httle waif, uneducated, ill-clad — and hungry. Oh, 
James, forgive me ! She believes me — she believes me 
to be her mother. I have been kind to her, James. She 
hasn't suffered — until the last two years. I want to give 
her back to you. Ah, how you wall love her. (Pause.) 
When I disappeared, I went to Mexico. I called myself 
Mrs. Trevors. I kept in hiding until you gave up the 
search, thinking the child dead. 

Doctor. But I never connected the disappearance of 
my child with your departure. 

Mrs. Trevors. No, I planned that well. Then my 
health failed, and I wanted to — 

Jack peeps in at right door. 

Jack. Mother! Please, may I come in now. '^ {Runs 
to Mrs. Trevors and kneels at her left.) Oh, mother, 
are you worse.^* (Embraces her.) 

Mrs. Trevors. No. No, dear, I'm better — much 
better. 

Jack (rises and turns to Doctor). Doctor, please 
make my mother well again. I can give you a dollar 
now. It's all we have (shows dollar). But some day 
we will pay you. Mother and I will work together. It 
won't take us long. Mother can sew beautifully ; can't 
you, dearest .'' 

Doctor. My dear, let me look at you. (Takes her 
chin in his hands.) My— little — girl; my little girl. 
(Wipes his eyes.) 

Jack (seeing his tears). Oh — will she die.'^ Will my 
mother die.'' Oh, no, no! Please — please, doctor! 
(Clings to him.) 



LITTLE MISS JACK 17 

Maggie and Jimmie enter, right door. 

Doctor. My dear, I will do all I can for your — 
mother. (Pause.) So you love her, do you.'^ 

Jack (^astonished). Love her? Everybody loves my 
mother. She is so kind and good. (Crosses and puts 
her arm around ]Mes. Trevors.) 

Doctor (writes on pad). Here, dear, run to the 
drug store on the corner and get this prescription filled 
for me. (Gives her the paper.) 

Jack. Yes, sir. (Kisses Mrs. Trevors and exits 
quickly into the hall, closing the door.) 

Maggie. Shall I light the lamp for you, Mi's. Tre- 
vors ? 

(Jimmie is standing around awkwardly, looking on.) 

Mrs. Trevors. Yes, if you please, Maggie. Then 
go home. You are tired and have to get up so early in 
the morning to go to work. 

Maggie. Oh, that's all right. (Lights lamp on table. 
Stage lights up full.) I'll be over the first thing in the 
morning, before I go to me work. 

Mrs. Trevors. Thank you, Maggie. 

Maggie. Oh, that's all right. (Aside to Jimmie.) 
Get out! (Turns.) Good night, Mrs. Trevors. 

Mrs. Trevors. Good night. 

Maggie. Good night, doctor. 

Doctor. Good night, my girl ; good night. 

Jimmie (who has been stealing nervously down cen- 
ter). Is dere anyt'ing I kin do for ye? 

(Maggie grabs him by the arm and they exeunt into 
hall. Doctor closes hall door.) 

Mrs. Trevors. James, there Is no hope for me, I 
know. (Doctor hesitates.) Don't be afraid to tell me 
the truth. I can't last much longer. 



\S LITTLE MISS JACK 

Doctor (seriously). No. No, Julia. 

Mrs. Trevors. I am glad. {Sighs.) I'm tired — so 
tired. The struggle has been a long one. You won't 
let Jackie forget me.'' I want you to take her to-night. 
Will you, James .-^ I don't want her to be here when — 
you understand. 

Doctor. Yes. And I'll take you where you will re- 
ceive proper care. 

Mrs, Trevors, It will not be necessary, James. I 
shall — soon — go — now. 

Jack enters, running, from the hall. 

Jack, Was I gone long? Here it is, (Gives bottle 
to Doctor and closes hall door.) 

(Doctor crosses to table and fixes medicine, putting 
a spoonful in a little water.) 

Mrs, Trevors, Jackie. 

Jack, Yes, mother, 

Mrs. Trevors, The doctor says I must go to a 
hospital. 

Jack (in alarm). Oh, dearest! 

Mrs. Trevors, I shall get every care, dear. You 
are to go home with the doctor, and — stay there until 
- — I am better. Will you go.'' 

Jack, I may come to see you,'' 

Mrs. Trevors. Yes, Jackie. 

Doctor (crosses to center). Will you come to my 
home, dear — for a while.'' 

Jack. Have you a daughter, sir.f* 

Doctor. Yes, I have — a daughter. She is waiting 
for me now. 

Jack, That pretty girl in the automobile down- 
stairs.? 

Doctor. Yes. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 19 

Jack. Is that her brother with her? 

Doctor. No. He is a friend of the family. He's 
studying medicine and Hves with me. 

Jack. I like him. 

Mrs. Trevors. Will you go and get ready now, 
dear ? 

Jack. Oh, mother! (Throws arms around ^Irs. 
Trevors.) I don't want to leave you. Oh, not to-night, 
dearest. 

Mrs. Trevors. You have always obeyed me, Jackie. 
Remember, I always do what is best for my little girl. 
Don't make it too hard for me, dear. 

Jack. No, no, dearest. I'll go; I'll go. (Kisses her 
and exits, right door.) 

(Mrs. Trevors sinks back into chair, exhausted.) 

Doctor (gets medicine in glass). Here, Julia. Drink 
this. 

Mrs. Trevors (drinks). You forgive me, James? 

Doctor. Yes, Julia. It is useless to regret. But I 
wish — 

Mrs. Trevors (eagerly). Yes.? 

Doctor. I wish we could begin our lives where we 
parted. 

Mrs. Trevors. You mean — "? 

Doctor. I mean, that I realized, when it was too 
late, that — I loved you. 

Mrs. Trevors. James ! 

Doctor. Julia. (Takes her hand.) 

Mrs. Trevors. Dear friend. On the verge of the 
grave, "Thou spreadest a table before me — my cup run- 
neth over." I shall pass through the valley of the 
shadow — on wings of happiness. (Leans her head back 
on chair and smiles.) 



20 ^ LITTLE MISS JACK 

Paul knocks on hall door. Doctor crosses and 
opens the door quietly. Paul steps just inside. 

Doctor. Hello, Paul. 

Paul {quietly). Hello, governor. I thought I might 
be of some help, jou were gone so long. 

Neena appears in the hall doorway, steps in and looks 
around disgustedly. 

Neena (loudly). For pity's sake, papa — 

Doctor. Sh! 

Neena. What in the world is keeping you so long.? 
It's nearly dinner time. I'm hungry. 

Doctor. Paul, step to the drug store on the corner 
and phone to Rene to send over a taxi. 

Paul (aside to him, looking at Mrs. Trevors). Hos- 
pital.'* 

Doctor. Yes. 

Paul. Yes, sir. (Exits quickly into hall, closing 
hall door as he goes.) 

Neena. Papa, have we got to wait until — 

Doctor (coolly). When Paul returns, you may go 
home with him. I must go to the hospital. 

Neena (pettishly). Oh, dear! That's always the 
way— 

Doctor. Be quiet. 

Jack enters, right door, dressed in a quaint, old-fash- 
ioned gown; she carries a little old-fashioned satchel and 
wears a quaint little hat. 

Jack. Here I am. (Sees Neena and stops suddenly.) 
Oh. 

Doctor. My dear, are you ready .'^ 

Jack. Yes, sir. (Crosses to left of Mrs. Trevors.) 
Mother dearest. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 21 

Doctor. Neena, I am going to take this little girl 
home with me, and I want jou — - 

Neena {aghast). Why, Papa Carlyle ! Take her 
home with you? Aunt Kathie will be furious. {This is 
said in an aside to Doctor. Mrs. Trevors and Jack 
do not hear it.) 

Doctor {qui'etly) . My sister will do as I say, Miss. 
{Turns to Mrs. Trevors.) Mrs. Trevors, this is my — 
daughter. 

Mrs. Trevors {holding out her hand). How do 
you do, my dear. 

Neena {not noticing hand, says shortly). How do 
you do. 

Doctor. Neena {loarningly) , this is Jackie. I am 
sure you will do all you can to make this little girl feel 
that she is in her own home. 

Jack {crosses to Neena). I'm so glad to know you. 
I think you are so pretty — I shall just love to be with 
you. 

Neena {coolly). Thanks awfully. {To Doctor.) 
Am I to take her in the car with me? 

Doctor. Will you go home with Neena, Jackie? 

Jack {disappointed, at Neena's manner, crosses to 
Mrs. Trevors), Shall I, mother? 

Mrs. Trevors. Yes, dear. 

Jack {trying to keep back the tears). Shall I see 
you the first thing in the morning? 

Mrs. Trevors {with an ejfort). Yes, dear. 

Doctor {to Jack). Your mother will be so comfort- 
able, in a nice white bed, with a kind nurse to wait on 
her, and I shall stay by her bedside until morning. 
{Crosses to hall door and opens it.) 

Jack {wiping her eyes, tries to smile). Good night, 
dearest. {Embraces Mrs. Trevors.) 



22 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Mrs. Trevors. Good night, my baby. Be a good 
girl — always. Mother loves you. (Kisses and embraces 
Jack.) I shall soon — be — quite well. 

Jack (bravely^. Yes, mother. 

Paul enters from the hall. 

Paul {to Doctor). All right, governor; be here in 
twenty minutes. 

Neena {terribly bored). Well, are we ready.'' 

Doctor. Paul, this little girl is going home to stay 
with Neena for a few days. {Aside.) You understand. 
{To Jack.) This is Mr. Paul Sanborn, my dear. 

Paul {crosses to Jack and says heartily). I am sure- 
ly happy to meet you. {Shakes hands with Jack.) 
Well, shall we go.? 

Neexa. We shall be too late for dinner if we don't 
go at once. 

Doctor. Yes ; run along. 

Jack {to Mrs. Trevors). Good night, dearest. I 
will be brave. {They embrace.) 

Mrs. Trevors. God keep you, my baby. Good night. 

(Paul crosses to Jack in sympathy, takes her left 
hand, to lead her up to the hall door. Neena exits into 
the hall. Jack turns, blinded with tears, as Paul gent- 
ly guides her. Paul picks up Jack's satchel and ieads 
her out into the hall. When Jack has gone, Mrs. Tre- 
vors sinks back in her chair. Doctor closes hall door 
and crosses down to Mrs. Trevors.) 

Doctor {cheerfully). Courage, Julia! You will 
soon be on the road to recovery ( takes her hand, sits in 
chair facing her), where we will join hands and begin 
life all over again — God willing. 

Mrs. Trevors {looks into his face and smiles faintly).. 
God willing! 

Curtain. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



The Second Act. 



Scene : Tlve library in Dr. Carlylc's home in a fash- 
ionable quarter of the city. An hour later. Library or 
drateing room interior, with arched opening or open 
double doorway center, and doors right and down left. 
Fancy backing for each of the three openings. There 
is a booh case against the rear wall, left. Between the 
bookcase and the center arch stands a chair. Close to 
the rear wall, near the right corner, stands a folding 
screen. Between the screen and the center arch is a chair. 
A small table stands against the rear wall, between screen 
and chair. On it are a telephone, a writing pad and 
a pencil. About halfway down center is a long, luxuri- 
ous settee, facing the audience. Back of it is a library 
table with a vase of ftoxvers. An easy chair is a little 
further up stage, about midway between the table and 
the left door. A handsome rug is on the floor, and the 
balance of the room decorations all combine to indicate 
a home of wealth and good taste. 

Lights: Up full throughout the Act. 

No one is on the stage when the curtain rises. Aunt 
Kathie enters from the right, goes up to the center 
arch and looks off to the left. 

Aunt K. (speaking to someone in the hall). Well; 
what In the world has detained you? Dinner has been 
waiting for an hour. 

Neena enters center arch, from the left, followed by 
Jack. Neena pays as little attention as possible to 
Jack. 

23 



24 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Neena. I can't help it. 

Aunt K. {sees Jack). Well, Avhat on earth! 

Neena {going right). Some more of papa's phil- 
anthropy. 

Aunt K. {aside to Neena). He isn't going to keep 
her here.^ 

'Seeis! A {removing 7ier gloiws). Yes, indeed. 

Aunt K. Mercy on us ! 

Neena. I am going in to dinner. 

Aunt K. {uncertain). Do you think we ought to— 

Neena. Let her eat with the servants. {Exits, right 
door.) 

Aunt K. Wait here, little girl. I'll send a maid to 
you. You shall have 3rour dinner in a little while. Are 
you hungry? 

Jack {meeMy). Yes, I am a little hungry. 

Aunt K. Well, sit down. {Exits, right door.) 

Jack sits quietly in the chair by the bookcase with 
her little satchel in her lap. Rider enters briskly, center 
arch, from the left; sees Jack and stops suddenly. 

Rider {surprised). Hello! 

Jack {friendly). Hello. {Smiles.) 

Rider {interested). Waiting for something .? 

Jack. Yes, sir ; my dinner. 

Rider {laughs). Well, what do you know about that. 
Haven't you had your dinner.? 

Jack. Not yet, sir. 

Rider {puzzled). Have you an appointment with 
the doctor.? 

Jack. I — I didn't see any, sir. 

Rider {thinks she is kidding him at first). I mean, 
do you want to see the doctor.? 

Jack, Oh, yes. I like him, don't you.? 

Rider. Yes, indeed. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 25 

Jack. He is with my mother now. 

Rider. Is your mother iU? 

Jack. Yes, sir. But the doctor is going to cure 
her. He is very clever. Mother is going to the hospital 
and I have come here for a visit. 

Rider. The deuce you say ! Excuse me. So you 
are here for a little visit, eh? 

Jack. Yes, sir. 

Rider. Well, where are the folks.'' 

Jack. They are at dinner. 

Rider (laughs). By jove! You are from the east 
side, aren't you? 

Jack. Yes, sir. 

Rider. Have you lived in New York long? 

Jack. Two years, sir. 

Rider. So your mother is ill, eh? 

Jack. Yes, sir. (Each "yes, sir" is said with a dif- 
ferent inflection, for comedy.) 

Rider. Is your father living? 

Jack. I never had a father, sir. 

Rider. Hm. Any brothers? 

Jack. No, sir. 

Rider. What do you do for a living? 

Jack. Sell papers, sir. 

Rider (astonished). Sell papers! (Eyes her criti- 
cally.) You're not a bad looking girl. (Goes to her.) 

Jack. No, sir. 

Rider. Eh? (Laughs.) Well, you're all right. 
How would you like to have dinner with me? Are you 
hungry? 

Jack. Yes, sir. 

Rider. That's the way to talk. Well, I know of a 
nice little place. You come with me and — 
(Jack rises quickly and starts trustfully with Rider.) 



26 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Paul enters, center arch, from the left, and takes in the 
situation. 

Paul,. Hello, Jack. Where are you going? 

Rider. Hello, Paul. Why, I was going to take her 
out for something to eat. {Laughs, embarrassed.) 
Poor kid's hungry. She doesn't seem to be very wel- 
come here. 

Paul {coolly). She's a guest of the doctor's. I 
think they will attend to her dinner, Rider. 

Rider {with an indifferent shrug). Oh, sure. 

Aunt Kathie enters, right door, crosses to Rider 
and shakes hands warmly. 

Aunt K. Oh, how do you do, Mr. Rider. Paul, 
have you had your dinner? (To Jack.) Go in to your 
dinner, child. Go right through that way — {points, 
right, to the kitchen.) 

Jack. Yes, ma'am. {Picks up satchel and starts 
right.) 

Aunt K. Oh, for mercy's sake, don't take that. 
{Takes satchel from Jack and puts it on the table 
where it is visible to the atidience. Jack exits, right 
door.) 

Paul {crosses, right, and looks after Jack). Poor 
little devil. 

Aunt K. What in the world is James thinking of, to 
send that girl here ! 

Paul. She seems to be a lovable kid. 

Rider {goes center, at left of Aunt K.). Not a bad 
looking girl if she had some decent togs. 

Paul {looks quickly at Rider). The doctor will look 
out for her. 

Rider {smiles). Oh, sure; sure. 

Aunt K. Well, I think it is absurd. 
Neena enters, right door, as Aunt K. speaks. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 27 

Neena. What is absurd? Oh, how do you do, Mr. 
Rider. {Crosses up center to Rider.) 

Rider. We were speaking of your father's new 
protege. 

Neena. Isn't it ridiculous ! 

Jack enters, right door. She looks very forlorn. 

Aunt K. {to Jack), Well, couldn't you find the 
kitchen ? 

Jack. Oh, yes, thank you. It's a beautiful kitchen. 

Neena {sarcastically) . Glad you like it. {Laughs.) 

Aunt K. Why didn't you eat your dinner.? 

Jack. I couldn't eat anything. {About to cry.) 

Aunt K. {to Neena). Neena, Jane is busy. You 
take her to her room ; the little west room. 

Neena {laughs). I've got a job. So nice to be 
useful. {Crosses to center arch.) Follow me, me lady! 
{Exits, center and right. Jack crosses up stage after 
Neena; looking over her shoulder, she smiles at Paul 
as she exits, center and right.) 

Aunt K. The doctor has the queerest ideas. 
Doctor enters, center, from the left. 

Doctor. How are you, Rider. 

Rider. How are you, doctor. 

Doctor {coldly). Pretty tired, Rider. 

Aunt K. Have you had dinner.? 

Doctor. I don't want any. {Crosses down left.) 
Well, Paul — she's gone, 

Paul. Gone! {Crosses to left.) 

Doctor. Yes, Mrs. Trevors died before we reached 
the hospital. 

Paul. Gee, that's too bad. {Pause.) And the poor 
kid is left alone. 



28 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Doctor. No, sir; not alone. She has me, hasn't she.'' 

Paul. She has, sir. {Crosses up left.) 

Doctor. Kathie, I want to see you alone after I 
brush up. (Crosses to door, left.) Oh, don't tell the 
child to-night. (Exits, left door.) 

Neena enters, center, from the right. 

Neena (laughing). Well, you should have seen her. 
My, what a little dumbbell ! An evening gown of mine 
was lying on my bed, and as we passed the room she 
saw it. She just stood transfixed and clasped her hands 
in ecstasy. 

Rider (laughs). Just like a woman. 

Neena. I don't believe she had ever seen an evening 
gown before, so I told her to put it on with my slippers 
and come down. She was delighted! I'll bet a box of 
chocolates she puts it on upside down. Aunt Kathie, 
send her to the music room when she comes (crosses to 
right door) and we'll have some fun with her. Come 
on, boys. (Exit, right door, followed hy Rider and 
Paul.) 

Doctor enters, left door. 

Doctor. Well, Kathie, did my little protege surprise 
you.? 

Aunt K. (crossing down to right of table). James, 
have you lost your senses ? 

Doctor. No, Kathie, I've found them. Well, what 
do you think of her.'' (Stands with hands thrust deep 
in trousers pockets.) 

Aunt K. What do I think of her! James, you're 
absurd. Surely you don't intend to keep her liere. What 
do you know of her.? Who is she.? 

Doctor. Do you remember Julia Raymond.? 

Aunt K. Julia Raymond? Yes. (Sits at right end 



LITTLE MISS JACK 29 

of settee.) The pretty, dark haired girl you were en- 
gaged to before you married Ellen. You quarreled, 
didn't you? You were awfully in love with her, Jim. 

Doctor. It was she who died to-night. 

Aunt K. James! And that child who has just left 
us is — ? 

Doctor, Yes. She stole our baby, Kathie, and w^ent 
to Mexico, but came back two years ago, dying. And 
to-night has given my little girl back to me. 

Aunt K. Oh, the wicked woman ! But tell me — 

Doctor. I can't talk any more to-night, Kathie. I 
want you to tell Neena — tell her that I am going to 
adopt the girl. I'm afraid it would hurt her too much 
to tell her the truth just now. {Crosses, to Aunt K. 
and puts his hands on her shoulders.) Be good to my 
little girl, Kathie. 

Aunt K. I will, James. {Pats Doctor's hand.) 1 
will be good to her! {Wipes her eyes, rises and exits, 
right door.) 

Doctor lights a cigar and puffs slowly. Paul enters, 
right door. 

Paul. Ready for me, governor.'' 

Doctor. Come in in about half an hour, Paul. 
{Crosses and exits slowly, left door.) 

Paul. Yes, sir. {Stands right of table.) 
Jack peeps in center arch from the right. 

Jack {mysteriously). Sst ! Sst! 

Paul {turns quickly and looks toward arch, sur- 
prised). Hello. {Crosses to center in front of table 
and couch.) 

(Jack steals in mysteriotisly. Her hands are behind 
her hack. She wears a handsome ezfening gown, hut 
has her awkward big street shoes on. She crosses down 
left to Paul and whispers in his ear.) 



30 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Paul (laughs). Need some help, eh? Can't get 
them on? 

(Jack shows high-heeled French evening slippers 
which she has had behind her back. She whispers again 
and turns her back to Paul.) 

Paul (is embarrassed). Oh! Yes, sure — certainly. 
(He fastens her dress in the back, very awkwardly, be- 
coming confused with the fasteners, etc.) Now for the 
slippers. (He lifts her and seats lier on the table and 
pulls off her shoe, showing a hole in toe of stocking.) 

Jack. Oh! It pecked through, didn't it? (She sits 
facing the audience.) 

Paul (laughs). Looks like it. Never mind; we'll 
fix that. (Puts the slipper on, as he kneels on the 
couch.) 

Jack. The other's quite good. (Paul takes off the 
other slipper.) Mother gave it to me. It don't quite 
match, but mother couldn't use it because the mate to 
it was all in. 

Paul (laughs; puts on the other slipper). There 3'ou 
are. (Crosses left up to table beside Jack.) 

Jack. Oh, thank you. (Looks admiringly at slip- 
pers.) And isn't this dress too beautiful! (Smooths 
dress.) I never — never — ever saw anything so just 
beautiful. Don't you love it? 

Paul (leans toward her, looks lovingly into her face 
and says). Yes, I do — just love it. 

Jack (impetuously) . If I were rich I'd have a new one 
for every single day. (Considers.) No; no, I wouldn't 
• — because it would make me feel sad to think of all the 
poor children on the east side who never have any pretty 
things at all and who are often so hungry and cold. 
But oh, I do wish they could all have plenty to eat and 
lots of pretty clothes to wear. Don't you? 



LITTLE MISS JACK 31 

Paul. I do, indeed, Jackie. 

Jack (smiles into his face). Do you know, I like you 
better than anyone I ever knew excepting my mother — 
and the doctor — and Maggie — and Jimmie. 

Paul (seriously). And do you know, I like you 
better than anyone in the world — excepting my mother. 
(Leans tenderly toward her.) 

Neena enters, right door, and stands amazed. 
Neena. My! What a pretty picture! (Laughs 
shrilly.) So this is the reason we have no time for the 
music room. (Quoting.) "We have an engagement 
with father." (Turns to Jack, angrily.) Go to your 
room and take off my dress, do you hear.'' How dare 
you! 

(Jack, frightened, remains seated on the table.) 

Paul (lifts her off table, left). Go to your room, 
Jackie. (Leads her to arch). It's all right, Jackie; 
it's all right. 

Jack exits quickly, center and right. 

Neena (walking back and forth angrily). The mis- 
erable little east side pauper! The little beggar! 

Paul (shocked). Neena. (Goes left of table.) 

Neena (kneeling on right end of settee). Clothes do 
make a difference. Tliey've turned the little mud hen 
into a bird of paradise — almost. (Laughs, then says 
quickly:) Do you think she's pretty.-^ 

Paul (smiles). I think she's a very sweet child. 

Neena. Child I She's sixteen ; as old as I am. 

Paul. But you're a child, Neena. 

Neena. But not a sweet child, eh? (Sits on 
settee.) She's a simple little idiot. And just because 
she wore a pretty gown, you stood looking at her like a 
small boy at a pastry window. 



32 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Paul {laughing). Neena! 

Neena (rises.) Oh, you did! Your eyes stuck out 
so, I could have knocked them off with a stick. 

Paul. Neena ! 

Neena. Oh, don't "Neena" me. Yes, I am jealous — 
jealous! I love you — and you know I do. And you 
have led me on to think that you cared for me — you 
have, you have I And now I see you looking at this 
girl as if — as if — 

Paul. Neena, please ! Why, I have never led you 
to believe that I cared for you more than as a friend. I 
am studying with your father, and — • 

Neena. I Avon't have it ! I won't ! I won't ! You 
did care for me, and now this — nobody — this — 

Paul. Hush, Neena. Don't be silly. 

Doctor (calls off left). Paul! 
. Paul. Yes, sir. 

Doctor. I'm ready for you. 

Paul. Coming, sir. (Crosses left). Be sensible, 
Neena. _ (Exits quickly, left door). 

Neena walks tup and down excitedly. Aunt Kathie 
enters, right door. She carries a brooch in her hand, 
unseen by the audience. 

Aunt K. Neena; Neena. Why, what in the world 
is the matter with you.'' 

Neena. Oh, that girl — that girl! 

Aunt K. Listen, Neena. Your father is going to 
adopt — legally adopt her. 

Neena (stops in astonishment). What! 

Aunt K. Sh ! 

Neena (quietly). Adopt — that — that girl.? Adopt 
her.? And keep her here in the same house with me? 

Aunt K. That's what the doctor says, so you must 
make the best of it. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 33 

Neena. What is father thinking of, Aunt Kathie? 
But I won't have it. Do you hear, Aunt Kathie? I 
won't have it! 

Rider enters, right door. 

Rider. Well, by jove! I can't amuse myself any 
longer. 

Aunt K. (drops brooch as she crosses to right door). 
Come in and talk to Neena, Mr. Rider. I must go and 
do some chores for the doctor. (Exits, right door.) 

Rider. Where is the charming little east-sider .f' I 
thought you said she was going to dress up for us. 

Neena. Oh, you were too slow as usual. Rider. You 
missed the parade. 

Rider (in mock disappointment). No! I know she 
would look ripping in one of those evening gowns of 
yours. Miss Neena. 

Neena. Oh, positively. (Crosses left.) And you're 
not the only one who thinks so. But fear not, old dear, 
we shall see a great deal of that person from now on. 

Rider. Indeed.'' 

Neena. Prepare for much joy. Father is going to 
adopt her. 

Rider (astonished). No! 

Neena. Yes. 

RiDfcR. But what's the big idea.'' By jove! That 
will rather put your nose out of joint, Neena. A sister, 
eh.? 

Neena. Yes, our little Cinderella ! Oh, I could choke 
her! 

Rider (laughs). As bad as that.? 

Neena. Yes, as bad as that ! 

Rider. That i s bad. Paul seems to admire the little 
thing. (Sits on corner of table.) 

Neena. Have you noticed it, too.? 



34 LITTLE MISS JACK 



Rider. It is very evident. Well, she's a pretty girl. 
(Neena looks at Mtti quickly.) I could love you, 
Neena. Of course, I know Paul has your heart. But 
this girl — 

Neena {fiercely, leaning close to Rider). Take her 
away from here, Rider. 

Rider (laughs). Where do you get those clever 
ideas, Neena .^ 

Neena. I'm in earnest. I'll not have my life spoiled 
by that brat. It's only a whim of father's. If she 
were disgraced, that would be the end of it. You are 
so clever- — help me ! 

Rider. Thanks for the compliment. But what could 
I do? 

Neena. Oh, don't pretend ! I know all about you — 
your reputation. 

Rider. Thanks again. And what do you know.? 

Neena. That you are — clever. Live by your wits, 
cards and — and — I can pay you — lots. 

Rider. I'm afraid you've been in bad company, 
Neena. 

Neena. Oh, I'm not a ninny. I keep my eyes and 
ears open. Our set is no worse than any other. The 
girls nowadays aren't the goody-goody prunes and 
prisms of our grandmothers' day. We don't faint at 
the approach of a cockroach. 

Rider (amused). 1 rather think not. 

Neena (stops, crosses and picks up the diamond 
brooch that Aunt Kathie has dropped by right door). 
Aunt Kathie's ! (Her eyes travel up center to where 
Jack's* satchel is. Rider gives her a look of sugges- 
tion. She acts frightened, then crosses quickly up stage 
right, opens Jack's satchel, drops brooch into it, closes 
satchel and crosses quickly down to right.) I've begun. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 35 

You finish it. (Exits quickly, right door. Rider fol- 
lows her out.) 

After short pause. Jack peeps through arch from 
right. She still wears the evening gown. She opens 
her satchel and takes out a nightgown. The brooch 
drops to the floor. She picks it up, surprised, looks 
around, suspiciously/, crosses, puts it on the center table, 
and crosses back to satchel. 

Doctor (speaks off left). All right, my boy. 

Jack quickly hides the nightgown behind her back. 
Doctor and Paul enter, left door. When Jack sees 
them she backs guiltily out center arch, and exits to the 
right. 

Doctor (after seeing her go). What was she doing.? 
Paul (laughs). I don't know. 

Aunt Kathie enters, right door. 

Aunt K. (to Neena, who follows her). I am sure I 
wore it to-night. I have looked everywhere for it. I 
am positive. 

Neena enters, right door. 

Neena. It surely is strange. 

Rider enters, right door. 

Rider. Quite so. 

Doctor. Why, what have you lost.'' 

Aunt K. (looking around the floor). My diamond 
brooch. 

Paul (exchanges a startled glance with Doctor). 
Are you sure you have lost it.? 

Aunt K. I can't find it anywhere. I always wear it 
in the evening, and I know I had it on to-night. 

Neena. Yes, Aunt Kathie, I saw it. 



36 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Rider. It must be about somewhere. There isn't 
anyone here who would take it. 

Neena. One should be careful whom one takes into 
the bosom of the family. 

Doctor. Neena! (To Aunt Kathie.) Call Jackie. 

Aunt K. (surprised). James! 

Doctor (emphatically). Call the child. 

(Aunt Kathie exits, center arch, to the right.) 

Doctor (to Neena). How dare you try to put such 
a slur upon the child. ^ 

Neena. Well, if it's true, why try to hide it.^^ Are 
you afraid, papa.? 

Doctor. No, miss. I am not afraid. 

Neena. This girl seems to have hypnotized you all. 
Why, she's only a little gutter snipe — a. girl of the 
slums. What can one expect.'* 

Doctor. Not much from her, perhaps, poor girl. 
But from you, Neena — I expected more. 

Neena. Well, if she is honest she can prove it, and 
no harm is done. 

Aunt Kathie enters, center arch, from the right, fol- 
lowed by Jack. 

Doctor. Jackie, my sister has missed a diamond 
brooch, 

Neena. Wait! (Crosses quickly up stage, gets 
Jack's satchel and opens it.) Perhaps it is here. 
(Reaches in, can't find it, crosses down right, pulling 
things out frantically.) 

Jack (quietly, as she crosses down left). No, it is not 
there — now. (Neena drops satchel.) Someone put it 
in my satchel, but I found it there, and put it on the 
table. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 37 

Paul {who has been standing by the table, picks up 
brooch). And here it Is! 

Positions. 

Aunt K. (center). 

Rider, Neena (right). Paul, Jack, Doctor (left). 

Curtain. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 

The Third Act. 

Scene : Same as Act II. It is evening, four months 
later. The flowers have been removed from the center 
table, and in their place is a library lamp, lighted. A 
hassock or footstool is down center, in front of the 

settee. 

Lights: Up full throughout the Act. 

When the curtain rises. Jack is found seated for- 
lornly on the hassock. She is wearing mourning. A 
skein of yarn is in her lap. She wipes her eyes. There 
is a pause, and then Paul enters briskly through cen- 
ter arch, from the left. Seeing Jack, he crosses to her 
down left. 

Paul (gayly). Good afternoon, Jacqueline. Did 
you notice I called you Jacqueline.'' (Jack smiles 
sadly and nods her head ''yes.") Come, come, (sits on 
settee) this will never do. Why, you'll spoil your eyes 
and just ruin your complexion and — and — do all sorts 
of damage. (Seriously.) My dear little friend (takes 
her hand in his), if the dead can see us — you know that 
your mother is happy to have you here among friends 
who love you. Come, now — smile. (Jack smiles 
faintly.) That's right. What have we here.? (Picks 
up skein of yarn from Jack's lap.) Ah, you have 
promised Aunt Kathie that you'd wind this for her, eh? 
Well, come on, I'll help you. Let me see. I used to do 
this for my mother when I was a kid. (Puts skein on 
Jack's hands). There you are! Is that it.'' What is 
Miss Kathie going to make with this.'' (Winds yarn 

38 



LITTLE MISS JACK 39 

into a ball.) A — what-you-may-call-it — a hug-me- 
tight, eh? 

Jack (smiles and nods her head "yes"). My mother 
made me a httle red one, but I lost it. (Sits on couch 
at Paul's right.) 

Paul. My mother made me a scarf when I was a 
kid — and mittens. I was always wearing one new mit- 
ten, for as fast as she'd make one to replace the one 
I'd lost, I'd lose the other one. (Laughs.) Are >fou 
coming to see my mother some day, Jack.'' 

Jack. I'd love to. 

Paul. And she'd love to have you. She would love 
you, Jackie. 

Jack. And I know I'd love her. 

Paul. Jackie — do you think you could love the son.^" 
(Smiles.) For his mother's sake.'' 

Jack. You? (Paul nods his head "yes.") Why, I 
do love you. 

Paul (surprised). You do? (Jack nods her head 
"yes.") And I love you, my Jacqueline. (Kisses her 
hands.) Ah, I can see a little white cottage — I love 
a white cottage, don't you, Jack? (Jack smiles and 
nods her head "yes.") With climbing roses — pink 
roses. 

Jack (enthusiastically). And honeysuckle vines. 

Paul. And morning-glory vines. 

Jack. And — and — sunflowers ! 

Paul. And golden glow! 

Jack. And lettuce and cabbage! 

Paul (laughs heartily). And bread and cheese and 
kisses — Oh, Jack, Jack! (Embraces her.) 

Neena, wearing a long cloak over a handsome after- 
noon gown, enters through center arch, from the left. 



40 LITTLE MISS JACK 

She is followed hy Rider, who sees Paul and Jack, 
smiles and glances at Neena. 

Rider. Are we interrupting? 

Paul (rising). Not at all. Jack and I are work- 
ing for Aunt Kathie. 

Neena {sarcastically) . Aunt Kathie will be pleased, 
I am sure. (Throws her cloak on chair at right, and 
tosses her hat on her cloak.) 

Paul (ignores Neena). There, Jackie. (Gives 
yarn to Jack). We'll finish this later. 

(Rider crosses down right.) 

Jack. Thank you. (Crosses to right.) 
Paul (to Neena). Did you enjoy your walk? 
(Crosses up left.) 

(Rider shakes hands with Jack.) 

Neena (coolly). Very much, thank you. 

(Jack exits quickly, right door.) 

Rider (to Paul). I met Miss Carlyle at the park 
gate, and she tempted me to walk home with her. 

Paul. Wonderful evening for a walk. Well, see 
you again. (Exits left door.) 

Rider (stands smiling, with his hands in his 
pockets). They are getting on, aren't they? 

Neena (shrugs her shoulders, crosses down left to 
settee, and sits). Rather cutting you out, isn't he? 
She must be awfully interesting. Men seem to like 
those stupid girls. (Takes off gloves.) I presume it's 
because they make the men feel so clever in contrast. 
You're too slow. Rider. 

Rider. You've told me that before. 

Neena. If you like her so much, why don't you 
get busy and win her? 



LITTLE MISS JACK 41 

Rider. I intend to. 

Neena. You're taking your time. 

Rider. I'm in no hurry. (Sits on settee, at Neena's 
right). Now see here, Neena. Why should we two 
beat about the bush .^^ I d o like the girl. She has 
been an obsession with me for the past four months. 
I can't get her out of my mind. I'd risk my neck to 
get her. 

Neena. You won't have to risk anything so pre- 
cious, I fancy. 

Rider. Neena, you love Paul Sanborn. 

Neena (icily). Yes, Mr. Hawkshaw. 

Rider. He was fond of you before this girl came. 
Two heads are better than one. 

Neena. Even if one is a cabbage head. 

Rider. Let us help each other. If she were out 
of the way — 

Neena. Yes ? 

Rider. If it could be made to appear that she had 
eloped with me, for instance. I could marry her and 
manage a trip abroad. In a few years it would all be 
forgotten. I could stay away that long. 

Neena. You know you can depend upon me to do 
all I can. But we must be careful. If father ever sus- 
pected that I — 

Doctor opens the left door. 

Rider (rising). How do you do, doctor. Are you 
busy ? 

Doctor. No ; come in. Rider, come in. 

(Rider crosses left, above the table, and exits left 
door.) 

Doctor (closes left door and approaches 'center). 
Neena, I don't like that fellow, and I don't want you 
to run around with him. Is he making love to you? 



42 LITTLE MISS JACK 



Neena. Not particularly. Not any more than any 
other fellow. 

Doctor. Well, cut it out. 

Neena {with a tantalizing laugh). Better keep your 
eyes peeled, daddy. He doesn't come here to see me. 
I'm not the attraction. 

Doctor. Who is he coming to see, then.'' 

Neena. Well — not Aunt Kathie. 

Doctor. I know it isn't Jack. Her little head is 
too level. Her bright eyes would see through that 
chap in a jifFy. 

Neena. Oh, I'm the only wobbly head in this family. 

Doctor. I'm warning you for your own good. {Ex- 
its left door.) 

Jack enters right door. 

Neena {turns and sees Jack). Jack, come here, 
dear. {Sits on settee.) Are you feeling badly.'' {Her 
tone is very sweet.) 

Jack {crosses to settee.) Yes, a little bit. 

Neena {takes Jack's hands). I'm so sorry, dear. 
I know what it is to suffer. I, too, am terribly un- 
happy, Jackie. 

Jack {sits beside Neena). Unhappy.'' You.? 

Neena {sighing). Yes. 

Jack. Why should you be unhappy, Neena.-' You 
have everything to make you happy. 

Neena. I have lost everything, Jackie. And you 
are the cause. 

Jack {hurt). 1? 

Neena. Yes. You have taken my father's love 
from me. And you are stealing my sweetheart. Before 
you came, Paul and I were going to be married — but 
you are separating us and breaking my heart. ( Wipes 
away crocodile tears.) 



LITTLE MISS JACK 43 

Jack (rising). I'll go away. I never thought. 
I'll go. 

Neena (catching her hand). No, no, Jackie. You 
mustn't go. 

Jack. Oh, I couldn't stay now. I didn't know. 

Neena. Jackie, do you want to make more trouble 
for me? Listen. You must never breathe a word of 
what I tell you to a living soul unless you want to 
get me into terrible trouble with my father. You see, 
Jackie, father has a mania for helping poor people. 
It is his hobby. I know you aren't to blame. But 
don't let Paul make love to you. Try to avoid him. 
Tell him you love someone else. (Pulls Jack to the 
seat beside her.) And maybe some day you will marry, 
and have a beautiful home of your own. Perhaps you 
will live abroad. Wouldn't you just love to travel? 
I want you to be happy, Jackie. But please don't tell 
any one what I have told you. Promise me, Jackie. 

Jack. Oh, I wish I knew what to do. I wish I knew 
where to go. 

Neena. Listen, Jackie. I know some one who loves 
you dearly. A handsome fellow, too. 

Jack (rises). I don't want any handsome fellow 
to love me. 

Neena (catching her hand). Please be sensible, 
Jack. You would be very sorry if you married Paul 
and found out that he really loved someone else. Now, 
wouldn't you.^* The dear fellow is so changeable. 

Jack (hysterically) . Oh, I want to go away. 

Neena. Sh, Jackie ! Please ! Something will turn 
up for you, dear. Now don't worry. 

Doctor (ojf stage, as the left door opens). All 
right, Rider; another time. 

Rider enters left door and leaves it open. 



44 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Neena (rises and crosses left to Rider). Is father 
alone ? 

Rider. Yes. 

Neena (looking meaningly at Rider as she passes 
him). I want to see him. (Exits left door, closing it 
after her.) 

(Jack rises and starts to cross to right door.) 

Rider (crossing down left to center). I say, Miss 
Jack; won't you stay and talk to me? 

Jack. Please excuse me, Mr. Rider. 

Rider (crossing to her). Oh, come now. That isn't 
very gracious. (Pulls her to a seat beside him on settee.) 
How long have you been here, Jack.'^ 

Jack. Four months, sir. 

Rider. You are not happy here. 

Jack. Oh, yes I am. 

Rider (feigning sympathy) . No you are not, Jack. 
You are lonely and unhappy. I love you, Jack. 

Jack (rises quickly). Oh, no! 

Rider (pulling her back to seat). Yes. Marry me. 
Jack. Don't stay here where you are unwelcome^ 
where they keep you for charity's sake. I will give 
you a fine home — pretty dresses. 

Jack (in stir prise). You love me? 
^RiDER. Yes, dear. You are too proud to stay 
where you are not wanted, Jackie. And remember, 
the world is a big place for a girl alone. 

Jack. Oh, yes, it is lonely — so lonely. 

Rider. Marry me to-night. Jack. To-morrow a ves- 
sel sails for abroad. Let us go. I'll show you all the 
wonders of a new world. Will you go? 

Jack (rises and crosses left). I'll ask the doctor. 

Rider (rises quickly and catches her hand). No, no! 
GiA^e me my answer now. Jack. Will you marry me? 



LITTLE MISS JACK 45 

Jack. I can't answer you now. I don't know. I 
must think it over. 

Rider. Then think it over, and give me my answer 
to-night before I go. Will you? 

Jack. Yes. 

Rider. Remember, you are living here on charity. 
Be independent. Better give me my answer now. 

Jack. No, not now. (Crosses right, then turns to 
him.) But — I think I will go with you. (Rider tries 
to embrace her.) Oh, don't. (Exits quickly, right 
door.) 

Doctor enters left door in time to see Jack run off. 

Doctor. Let that little girl alone. Rider. 

Rider. Hello, doctor. 

Doctor. See here, Rider. That little girl is very 
precious to me, and the fellow who gets her must be a 
man she can be proud of. Understand.? 

Rider (smiles). I think I do, doctor. And I'd like 
to remind you that this is a free country, and when 
I find the girl I want, I'm going to take her without 
any other preliminary. Understand? 

Doctor. I get you. And I hope you haven't yet 
found the girl you want. I'm not looking for trouble, 
Rider. I don't like it, and I always avoid it — when 
I can. 

Rider. Same here, doctor. (Smiles.) 

Neena enters left door. 

Doctor. Neena, send Jacqueline to me. 

Neena. Yes, father. (Crosses right.) Come along, 
Mr. Rider, and I'll play that new piece for you. 

Rider. Charmed, I'm sure. 

(Neena exits right door, followed by Rider. Doctor 
walks slowly up and down stage left, his hands behind 
his back.) 



46 LITTLE MISS JACK 



Jack enters right door, after a pause. 

DocTOE. Well, Jack? Why, what's the matter with 
my little girl? {Crosses to center in front of settee.) 
Come here to me. Has any one been annoying you? 
Now tell me, what is the trouble? 

Jack {crosses to him and hides her face on his 
breast). I'm lonely. 

Doctor. Lonely, eh? Neena isn't very sociable, is 
she, trying to freeze my little girl out. Well, we shall 
soon remedy all that. Now, stand there. Hold up 
your chin. There. Now, little soldier, I'm going to 
tell you something that will shock you, but I hope it 
will make you very happy. Jack, do you want a father 
— a real father? 

Jack. Oh, yes ! If I only had a r e a 1 father! 

Doctor. How would you like to have m e for a 
father ? 

Jack {smiles) > You are very kind — and I love you 
-^but you wouldn't be my real father. 

Doctor. I wouldn't, eh? {Quietly.) Sit there. 
Jack. {Fixes hassock with his foot. Jack sits on 
hassock, with her hack turned slightly toward the audi- 
ence. He sits on settee facing her.) Jack, I am — 
your real father. I wouldn't rob you of one sweet 
memory, child. But — I want my little girl. The dear 
woman you called "mother" would wish it so. Your 
real mother — my wife — died when you were a baby. 
Mrs. Trevors raised you — until four months ago, 
when she gave you back to me. 

Jack {dazed). My mother — was not — my mother? 

Doctor. She was all a mother should or could be, 
dear. She loved you. But now your father wants 
you. Jack, will you take me into your heart? My 
little daughter! 



LITTLE MISS JACK 47 

Jack. Oh, father, I do want you (rises). I do 
need you. I am so lonely. (She creeps into his arms, 
and they embrace.) 

Neena enters right door, looks surprised, crosses 
quickly up behind screen at right, and listens, 

DocTOB {holding Jack close). My little girl; my 
little daughter! 

Jack. Then. Neena is my sister. 

Doctor. Neena is not my real daughter, dear. But 
I hope you will love each other as sisters. Neena was 
a foundling. She has filled your place incompletely 
for all these years. Now, little daughter^ — shall we 
tell Neena? 

(Neena appears from behind screen for a moment.) 

Jack. Oh, no, no ; it would break her heart. We 
must never let her know. 

DocTou. My generous Jack ! Then we will keep 
the secret. I have already told two others, but I'm 
sure they will help us keep the 'secret safe. 

Jack. Two others? 

Doctor. Yes, Aunt Kathie and Paul. 

Aunt Kathie enters right door. 

Doctor {to Aunt K.). I have told her. 

Aunt K. {holding out her arms to Jack). Our own 
little girl! 

Jack {runs and embraces her). But tell me more. 

Doctor. Another time, my dear. You shall know 
the entire story. 

Paul enters left door. 

Paul. May I come now? 

Doctor. Yes, my boy ; come here. Paul has some- 



LITTLE MISS JACK 



thing to tell you, Jack. {Crosses to left door.) Come, 
Kathie ! 

(Doctor and Aunt K. exeunt left door.) 

Paul (crosses down center to Jack). Congratula- 
tions, Miss Carlyle! 

(Neena again appears from behind the screen for 
a moment.) 

Jack. Isn't it wonderful! {Gives her hand to 
Paul.) Why, it seems just like a story. 

Paul. Your father said I might speak to you, 
dear. He says I can't take you away from him for a 
long, long time. But I want to be sure of you now. 
Jack — I love you. 

Jack. No, no! Don't say it! {Backs away from 
him, frightened.) 

Paul {in surprise). Why, Jack! 

Jack. Oh, go away. Please go away ! 

Paul {hurt). Don't you love me? ^ 

Jack {desperately). Oh, no — no! 

(Neena comes quietly from behind the screen and 
exits unnoticed, through center arch and to the right.) 

Paul. Why, Jack, what have I done.? 

Jack. Nothing; nothing. Only please don't ever 
say you love me. 

Paul. Why, I thought — you loved me. 

Jack {covers her eyes). Oh, no ; no ! 

Paul {quietly). Forgive me. I won't trouble you 
again. I never dreamed I was so obnoxious to you. 
I'll not trouble you again. {Exits quickly through 
center arch and to the left.) 

Jack falls on the chair at right, sobbing softly. 
Maggie snc<iks through center arch, from the left; 



LITTLE MISS JACK 49 

she is dressed extravagantly/, and appears to be fright- 
ened hy her surroundings. She is followed hy Jimmie, 
who is likewise awe-struck. 

Maggie (to Jimmie). Don't push! 

Jimmie. Ring de bell! 

Maggie. Dere ain't none ! 

Jack (at the sound of Maggie's voice, has risen; 
she runs to meet Maggie; they embrace). Mag! Mag! 

Maggie. Jackie! (Embrace.) Gee whiz! Oh, gee, 
but ye look pretty ! You're in mourning for your poor 
maw, ain't ye? Gee! (Chews gum fiercely.) Dis is 
a swell joint, ain't it. Are ye goin' to live here al- 
ways .^^ Say, ain't dat doctor all to de berries? He's 
some swell old guy, I'll tell de world. Are ye happy, 
Jackie ? 

Jimmie (coming down center). Is dere anyt'ing I 
kin do for ye? 

Jack. Hello, Jimmie; how are you? (Crosses to 
Jimmie; they shake hands.) 

(Maggie crosses down right and sits on settee.) 

Jimmie. Fine! How's yourself? 

Maggie. We was to a picture show on Sixt' Avenue, 
an' it was so pretty out I says to Jimmie, "Let's jump 
onto de Sixt' Avenue car an' ride up an' see Jackie." 

Jack (crosses down left and sits beside Maggie on 
settee). Oh, I'm so glad. 

Maggie. When de doctor was on de east side vis- 
itin' Mrs. Smit', I sees him an' I says, "How's Jackie?" 
an' he says, "Come up an' see her." Gee, he's a swell 
old bean ! 

Jimmie (down left). Gee, I'll bet ye git swell t'ings 
to eat here. 

Jack. Are you working now, Jimmie? 



50 LITTLE MISS JACK 

JiMMiE. No, I woiked steady for two weeks an' I 
felt me healt' failin' me, so I fought I'd better quit 
an' take a little vacation. But I saved six bucks. 

Maggie. Yep. An' when he saves ten more, we're 
goin' to git married. 

JiMMiE. Yep. Den I won't have to woik. 

Maggie. Say, me an' Jimmie went out to de grave- 
3^ard where j^our poor maw's buried, an' I put a gee- 
ranium on de grave. Dem flowers you put dere looks 
great, don't dey.^^ 

Jack. The doctor took me there last Sunday, too. 

Maggie. Gee, he's a swell guy ! 

JiMMiE (who has been peeking through left door). 
Gee, dere's a swell skirt ! 

Maggie (turns and sees Jimmie peeping). Say! 
Back up. You cut dat out, see? 

Doctor enters left door, and Jimmie jumps back. 

DocToii. Hello; hello. (Shakes hands zmth Jimmie 
and Maggie.) 

Aunt Kathie enters left door. 

DocTOii. You found the place, eh.'' Good. 

Jimmie* How are ye? 

Aunt K. How do you do, Maggie. How do you 
do, Jimmie. You see I know you. 

Jimmie. Same to you. Is dere anyt'ing I kin do 
for ye? 

Aunt K. (gravely, as she crosses back of table to 
right door). No, thank you. Make yourselves at home. 

Jimmie. Sure t'ing. 

Aunt K. Anything more, James .? 

Doctor. That's all. 

(Aunt K. exits right door.) 



LITTLE MISS JACK 51 

Doctor (smiles). See you again, Jimmie. (Exits 
left door.) 

Jimmie (looking after Aunt K. ). Gee, she's a swell 
dame! 

Jack. Jimmie, I'm going to take Maggie upstairs 
to show her my room. Will you wait here until we 
come back.'^ 

Jimmie. Surest t'ing ye know. 

Jack. Come on, Maggie. 

(Crosses up stage with Maggie. Laughing and talk- 
ing, the tmo girls exeunt through center arch and to 
the right. Jimmie looks around curiously, then crosses 
and peeps through key hole of left door.) 

Rider enters right door, sees Jimmie and looks sur- 
prised. 

Rider (loudly). Hello! 

Jimmie (jumps around frightened). Surest t'ing 
ye know! How are je? Anyt'ing I kin do for ye.'' 

Rider (slowly). What were you doing at that 
door.P 

Jimmie. Looking at de scenery, bo. 

Rider. Little inclined to be fresh, eh.-^ What do 
you do ? 

Jimmie. Anybody — dat gives me de chance. 

Rider. You're from the bowery. 

Jimmie. You betcha. 

Rider (crossing to center). What brought you 
here ? 

Jimmie. Me little flivver. What d' ye t'ink? I 
came to see me friend de doc, and little Miss Jack. 

Rider. A friend, eh.^ 

Jimmie. Dat's me number. (Crosses center to 
Rider.) 



52 LITTLE MISS JACK ^ 

Rider (looking him, over keenly). How would you 
like to make fifty dollars? 

JiMMiE {with energy). Say, now y're shoutin'! 
Fifty bucks? I must be dreamin'. Say, mister, say 
dat again. And say it slow ; I got a weak heart. 

Rider. Fifty dollars; that's what I said. {Looks 
around and lowers his voice.) I'm willing to pay fifty 
dollars for a little bit of work — to the fellow who can 
keep his mouth shut. Do you understand? 

JiMMiE {lowering his tone). I gotcha, bo. 

Rider. The work is not — quite regular. 

JiMMiE. Say, bo; fifty for a "little job" — ain't 
quite regular. Did ye get it? 

Rider. Yes, I got it. Well, where can I find you 
at about nine to-night? 

JiMMiE. Wherever you say, bo. 

Rider. Very well. At the corner of Sixth Avenue 
and Thirty-Ninth Street. I will then explain what 
I want done. 

Maggie and Jack are heard laughing and talking, 
off stage, right of center arch. Rider crosses quickly 
to the right. Maggie and Jack enter through center 
arch, from the right. 

Maggie {as she enters). Say, Jackie, it's simply 
great. I wish some rich old guy would adopt me. 

JiMMiE {to Rider). Me, too; eh, bo? 

Maggie. Ye know — {sees Rider). Oh; excuse me. 

JiMMiE. Mag, dis is me friend, Mr. — 

Rider {quickly). How do you do. Charmed, I'm 
sure. 

Maggie {imitating him). Same to you and many 
of dem. Come on, Jimmie. It's almost eight o'clock. 
We gotta git home. Good-bye, Jackie. Say, if ye 
kin git me a job here, I'd work faithful. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 53 



Jack. I'll speak to the doctor, Maggie. 

Maggie (trymg to be polite to Rider). I bid ye 
good evenin', mister. 

Rider (snaps). Good night! 

Maggie. Good night! (Exits through center 
arch and left.) 

JiMMiE (to Rider). Good night, bo. Don't forget 
if dere's anyt'ing I kin do for ye. (Winks and exits 
after Maggie.) 

Jack (exits with her friends, and speaks outside). 
Good night, Maggie. Good night, Jimmie. Don't 
forget. 

Maggie (outside). I won't. 

Jimmie (outside). Surest t'ing ye know. Good 
night. 

Rider crosses to center, and looks off left. Jack 
enters through center arch, from the left 

Rider. Well, Jackie. (Starts to put his arm over 
her shoulder. She evades him and crosses down left, 
to in front of settee. He crosses down right in front 
of settee.) I have arranged everything. We will leave 
here to-night. 

Jack (astonished). To-night.? Leave here to-night .? 

Rider. Yes, dear Httle girl. (Starts to take her 
hand.) 

Jack (going in front of him she crosses to the right, 
and turns). Mr. Rider — 

Rider. Yes, Jack.? (Crosses to her.) 

Jack. I have thought it all over — and — 

Rider, Yes ? 

Jack. I will n o t go with you, Mr. Rider. Good 
night. (Exits right door.) 

Rider stands nonplussed. After a pause, Neena 
enters right door. 



54 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Neena. WeU? 

Rider {deliberately). There will be a phone mes- 
sage for Miss Jack in the course of half an hour. You 
will see that she gets it. She will hurry from the house. 
I'll be waiting to put her in a taxi. The Britannia 
sails tomorrow. 

Neena. I hope I shall never see her again. 

Rider. You never will. {Takes her hand.) Good- 
bye. 

Neena. Good-bye. 

(Rider exits quicMy, through center arch and to 
the left.) 

Doctor opens left door. 

Doctor {at door). Hello. Where's everybody.? 

Neena. I don't know. Isn't Paul with you? 

Doctor. No. 

Neena. What's the matter Avith Mr. Rider, father.? 

Doctor {coming in). Matter.? What do you see 
the matter.? 

Neena. Why, he has acted so queerly all evening. 
So uneasy and restless ; said something about eloping. 

Doctor. Bosh. He was joking. {Going left.) 
Well, I'm going to have my smoke and turn in early. 
{Turns.) Oh — tell Jackie to look in before she goes 
to bed-. 

Neena. Yes, father. 

Doctor exits left door. As soon as the door is 
closed. Aunt Kathie enters right door. 

Aunt K. Well, where are your admirers.? 

Neena {sarcastically). My admirers! {Crosses to 

settee and sits). Hmph! I haven't any since Jackie's 
come here. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 55 

Aunt K. Nonsense. Well, I'm going to my room. 
I'm tired. 

Neena. What time is It? 

Aunt K. (crosses to center). Must be nearly nine. 
Good night. (Exits through center arch and to the 
right.) 

Jack, carrying a small Bible, enters right door. 

Neena. Hello, Jack; come here. (Jack crosses and 
sits beside Neena). I want to thank you for being 
so kind and sweet to me. 

Jack. Oh, Neena, I'm so glad. I want you to be 
my — sister. I should so love to have a sister. 

Neena. You are ambitious. You have found a 
home; a father. And now you want a sister. (Laughs.) 
Your heart is large. I wish I were so generous. But 
I love few people, and I'm very jealous of those few. 
What book is that.? 

Jack (in surprise). This.'' 

Neena. Oh; a Bible. You are religious. Do you 
read it often.? 

Jack. Oh, yes. And when I'm unhappy and lonely, 
it is a great comfort. My — my mother gave it to 
me and said I must always let it be my friend — my 
guide — in trouble. 

Neena. You are unhappy.? 

Jack. I am a little bit troubled tonight. 

(Phone rings.) 

Neena. Excuse me. (Runs quickly to phone.) 
Hello, hello. * * * Yes. * * * Yes.- (Very nervous.) 
Jack, it — it's for you. 

Jack (rises, surprised). For me.? (Crosses to 
phone.) Hello.? * * * What.? * * * Oh, Jimmie, is 
it you.? * * * (In terror.) What? * * * Maggie.? 



56 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Is she hurt badly? * * * Dying! * * * Oh! Yes, 
yes; I'll come at once. (Hangs up receiver.) 

Nkena (crosses up right to Jack). What is it.'' 

Jack (dazed). It was Jiramie. Maggie is hurt — 
dying. She wants me. I must go to her, I must tell 
the doctor. (Starts left.) 

Neena (alarmed). No, no; you mustn't disturb 
him now. I'll tell him when you're gone. Poor Maggie ! 
(Urgently/.) Here; take my hat and cloak — and my 
purse! (Throws cloak over Jack and gives her a 
purse.) You'll find a taxi on the corner. Father will 
call for you. (Suddenly.) Here, you had better 
write a line to him. 

Jack (confused). Write? What.^^ 

Neena (puts pencil in Jack's hand). Just say, 
"Forgive me for going," signed "Jackie." (Jack 
•writes, while Neena watches with ill-concealed satis- 
faction. When Jack has finished, Neena grasps the 
note.) There; that will do. Hurry! I'll explain to 
father. Taxi's on the corner. (Puts note on table by 
phone, then hastens out with Neena, through center 
arch and to the left.) 

After a pause. Doctor enters left door. He is wear- 
ing his glasses, and has an open newspaper in his hand. 

Doctor (calls). Kathie! Neena! Neena! 

Neena enters center arch, from the left. 

Neena. Oh, father. 
Doctor. Did t-he phone ring.? 
Neena. Yes;, for me. 
Doctor. Has Jackie gone to bed.? 
Neena. No. She's gone out. 

Doctor (puzzled). What.? Gone out.? Why, it's 
after nine o'clock. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 57 



Neena. I heard the door bang a little while ago. 
I went out to gee who it was. Jackie was running 
down the steps. I called to her, and sh-e called back, 
"Good-bye." I saw her jump into a taxi. 

DocTOK (distressed). Impossible. 

Neena. I was just coming to tell you, father. 
(Picks up note on table hy pJwne.) Look. (Reads.) 
"Forgive me for going. Jackie." 

Doctor (snatches note). Get me my hat — quick. 
(Neena exits quickly,- left door, and brings back his 
hat.) Which way did she go.^* 

Neena. Toward Broadway. 

Doctor (tensely). Neena, there's something wrong 
here. But if any harm comes to my little girl, and 
you've had a hand in it — pack youT trunk now! 
(Exits quickly, through center arch and to the left.) 

Neena (grindy). The "foundling," am 1? (Crosses 
to settee and sits hunched up with hands around her 
knees. ) Well, alie'll never come back. She will 
never come back! 

Curtain. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 

The Fourth Act. 

Scene : A miserable room in an east side tenement'; 
that night. {This set can he made with a kitchen in- 
terior, or hy using the wrong side of a fancy or plain 
chamber set.) There is only one door, which is in thk 
center of the rear wall. This opening is on a slightly 
higher level than the floor of the room, entrance being 
made down a short flight of rickety steps. Through 
the doorway a rough wall backing is visible. (Tke 
steps and elevation of doarway may be omitted if 
necessary. ) 

In the center of the stage is a barrel which serves 
as a table, with an empty box on either side. .On the 
table are a pitcher of water and a glass. At the right 
is an old mattress. Except for these makeshifts, the 
room is devoid of furniture. Behind the mattress and 
unseen by the audience until it moves is a property rat, 
which can be made easily of dark cloth. Attached to 
it is a strong fish cord which is stretched across the 
stage and off left, and is pulled at the cue to make rat 
run across stage. {Performers should be careful not 
to trip on the string before the rat is worked.) 

Lights: Half down at rise, gradually increasing 
to up full. The increase should not be rapid enough 
to be noticed. 

When the curtain rises, Maggie, disguised as a hag, 
stands by the barrel, holding a lighted lamp that has a 
smoked and cracked chimney. She is listening in- 
tently. The door is open. 

JiMMiE {off stage, back right). Sure t'ing! Yep. 
Look out, bo. 

58 



LITTLE MISS JACK 59 

Maggie shakes her head, puts the lamp on the barrel 
and sits on the box at the left of the barrel. Jimmie 
enters from back right, followed by Rider, who is 
carrying Jack. She is unconscioiis. He lays her on 
the mattress and turns curtly to Maggie. 

HiBER (loudly). Get some water. She has fainted. 
(Maggie hesitates, as though she is not sure that she 
heard correctly; then she pours a glass of water from 
pitcher on barrel, hands it to Ridek, kneels on mat- 
tress beside Jack and rubs her hand. Rider wets his 
fingers and sprinkles Jack's face; then crosses up right 
to Jimmie.) Are you sure no one saw us come in here.'* 

Jimmie. Not a livin' soul, bo. 

(Jack slowly comes to, and sits up.) 

Rider. She's coming to. (Maggie crosses and sits 
left of barrel.) Step outside (to Jimmie). 

Jimmie. Sure. 

Rider {to Maggie). You too. (Maggie makes no 
move. ) 

Jimmie. She can't hear ye, bo. She's as deef as 
a post. (Shouts.) Hey! Mudder! (Maggie makes 
no move.) 

Rider. Never mind; let her stay. {Crosses to barrel.) 

Jimmie. Sure. She's all right. Oh, say, bo ; 
I'd like dat fifty now, if ye kin find de time to count it. 

Rider {shortly). Not now. {Puts glass on barrel.) 

(Jack slowly sinks down on the mattress.) 

Jimmie. But ye see, bo — 

Rider. I said, not now ! 

Jimmie. Sure. I heard ye de first time. But I 
seem to w a n t it n o w — and I want it bad. See? 

Rider {looks at Jimmie keenly). How do I know 
you'll stand by me if I give you the money now? 



60 LITTLE MISS JACK 

JiMMiE. Gee, bo, ain't ye got me woid? 

Rider {disgusted). Bah! 

JiMMiE. Den ag'in, bo, how do you know I'll stand 
by you, if I don't git de money now? 

Rider {takes hills out of his pocket). Here's half. 
(Gives Jimmie money.) I'll give you the rest before 
we leave to-morrow. 

Jimmie {counts money). Kee-rect. Get in dere, ye 
jolly old bunch {puts money in his pocket). When'll 
I come back, bo.? {Crosses to door.) 

Rider. Just keep, watch outside. Don't let anyone 
see you. And let me know if you see anyone hanging 
around who looks suspicious. 

Jimmie. Right you are, bo. {Exits center door 
and right.) 

Jack {slowly raises herself). Mother; mother! {Sees 
Rider, and is frightened.) Oh! 

Rider {crossing to Jack). There, there; did I 
frighten you.'' 

Jack. Maggie, Maggie; where's Maggie.? {Tries 
to rise.) 

Rider. Maggie's all right. Now sit still and be 
sensible. {He sits on old box beside mattress.) 

Jack. Why am I here in this place.? 

Rider. Why, don't you know, Jackie.? We're run- 
ning away. We're hiding from the people who would 
separate us. We're going to be married to-night, and 
to-morrow we sail for foreign lands, where no one will 
find us and where we can be happy together. Eh, dear 
Httle lady.? 

Jack {frightened, rises quickly). Oh! 

Rider {rises, catches her by the arm). Be quiet. 
Now, if you are sensible, I'll manage this little affair 
and there will be no trouble. I'm going to take you 



LITTLE MISS JACK 61 

away with me. There's no use making a fuss about it. 
I'm going to take you, so be a sensible girl. I don't 
want to use force, but I will if you compel me to. ( Try- 
ing to "put his arm around her.) I want to be kind 
to you, Jackie. Will you marry me willingly.'^ 

Jack {haching away from him). No, no. I'll never 
marry you; never! You're a wicked man and I'm 
afraid of you. 

Rider (laughs). Then we must become better ac- 
quainted. {Tries to kiss her. She screams. He covers 
her mouth with his hand.) Shut up! (Takes her in 
his arms.) I'm going to kiss you! 

(Maggie has been watching Rider closely. His 
back is now toward her. She leans over the barrel and 
blows out the lamp. Lights all out; pause. Then 
Rider strikes a match. He is standing at the right of 
the barrel. Lights half up.) 

Rider. Who did that.? Who blew out that light.? 
(Lights the lamp. Lights up three-quarters. Rider 
says to Maggie.) Why did you do that.? (Maggie 
shakes her head, meaning that she knows nothing about 
it.) You did! (Loudly.) 

(Lights slowly increase to up full.) 

Jack. Oh, please, Mr. Rider, please let me go. I 
won't tell anyone — that you* have done this. 

Rider. It's too late. Why, do you know what will 
be said about you now.? It's nearly midnight. The 
doctor thinks you have run away with me. 

Jack (in agony). No, no! 

Rider. You are disgraced; disgraced forever. The 
doctor will never take you back. I am your only 
friend. 



62 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Jack. I'll go to Jim and Maggie. They are my 
friends. 

Rider (^sneering). Why, Jim and Maggie helped 
me bring you here. They sold you to me for fifty 
dollars. 

Jack. I don't believe it. {Crosses quickly and 
kneels beside Maggie.) Help me; please help me. 
(Maggie pays no attention.) 

Rider (laughs). She can't hear you. She's deaf. 
Come, come. Be a sensible little girl. (Starts toward 
her in front of barrel.) 

Jack (backing around barrel). I'll never go with 
you; never! I'll stay here and starve first. (Has 
moved round to right of barrel.) 

Rider (has crossed left). Well, you won't find 
starvation so pleasant, I assure you. However, I'll 
let you try it. I fancy by this time to-morrow night 
you'll be hungry enough to marry me willingly. Then 
when we are on board the boat out on the ocean blue, 
we'll have a nice little supper in our stateroom. How 
does that appeal to you, my little wife.? (Takes a 
step toward her.) 

Jack. Don't come near me! (Moves around front 
of barrel.) 

Rider (follows her around, laughing). I'm going 
to kiss you. 

Jack (gets back of barrel). Keep away! (Raises 
lighted lamp.) 

(Maggie rises quickly and crosses back of Jack.) 

Rider (stands right of barrel with his back half 
turned to audience). Put that down, you little idiot! 

Jack. No ! I'll throw it at you if you come near 
me. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 63 

(Maggie reaches around from bach and holds Jack's 
hands.) 

Rider (crosses quickly, takes lamp out of her hands 
and puts it on barrel). I can see it will be my painful 
duty to teach you obedience. 

Jack screams and runs to doorway, as Jimmie enters 
from back right. 

Jimmie. Hello. 

Jack. Oh, Jimmie! Jimmie! (Runs and clings to 
him.) Take me to Maggie. 

Jimmie. Ah — (throws her from him, left.) Cut it 
out, kid. You don't know what's good for ye. 

Jack (looks at him in despair). Jimmie! 

Jimmie. Why, t'ink of de puddin' yer fallln' into, 
kid. (RiDEE, crosses to right.) Here's a guy with 
oodles of dough, a-willin' and beggin' to spend it on 
ye. Gee, ain't a skirt de most ungratefulest t'ing ! 

Jack. Oh, what shall I do.? What shall I do.? 

Rider (crosses top center). I'm going now. (Takes 
powder out of his vest pocket; to Jimmie). Here; 
take this powder. Tell the hag to give it to her in a 
little water. She's hysterical. It will quiet her and 
make her sleep. (Jack backs around barrel to mat- 
tress and sinks down on mattress.) I'll be back in an 
hour. Are you sure it's' safe here.? How about the 
hag.? She blew out the light a while ago. She isn't 
quite right here (indicating head), is she.? 

Jimmie. Nix. She's got rats in her garret. But 
she won't let de girl slip. But I'll hang around for 
a while yet. Den I'll be over as soon as it gits dark 
to-morrow night. 

(Big rat runs across stage from right to left.) 

Jimmie. Gee, dat's a big feller ! 



64 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Rider {jumps). What's that? 

JiMMiE. A rat. 

Rider {startled). What? 

JiMMiE. Sure. Dis place is full of 'em ; big as cats. 
Dey won't hurt ye 'less dey get awful hungry. 

Rider {about to go out). I'll be back in an hour. 
{Hesitates). You had better go and have a look 
around first. 

JiMMiE. Sure. {Exits quiddy, center door and 
right.) 

Rider {pulls hat over his eyes and buttons coat). 
Well, Jackie, if you'd go with me willingly, I shouldn't 
have to hide you here. {Lights cigar.) I'm doing a 
desperate thing to get you, Jack. You know it would 
be a serious affair to me if they should catch us now. 
But I don't think there is anyone interested enough 
in you to trouble a great deal about you, except the 
doctor. And he won't care to bring you back when he 
knows you want to elope with me. 

Jack. Oh! {Sobs.) 

Rider. Better think it over, Jackie. I'll be back 
soon, and I hope you will see the folly of being stub- 
bom with me. 

Jimmie enters from bach right. 

Jimmie. All right, bo. 

Rider. I'll soon be back. {Exits, center door and 
right.) 

Jack {rises). Oh, Jimmie, please let me go. I'll 
work and give you all my money, I'll — 

Jimmie. Aw, cut it out, kid. You're in swell and 
don't know it. {Crosses down left. Jack mns swiftly 
to door. Jimmie stops her and throws her back, right.) 
You're a nice friend, you are ; when a guy's tryin' to 
earn enough money to be married on, to try to queer 



• LITTLE MISS JACK 65 

it like dis. Why, I'm goin' to get fifty bucks for dis, 
an' I only got twenty-five of it now. Ain't it de truth, 
Maggie? (Crosses down left.) 

Maggie (rises and pulls off her wig). Sure. 

Jack (screams joyfully.) Maggie! ( Embraces 
her. ) 

Maggie. Sh, kid ! Sh ! 

Jack. Maggie, Maggie! Come, let us go. 

Maggie. Not yet, dear. Jimmie, did ye 'phome de 
doctor.'^ 

JiMMiE. Sure t'ing. 

Maggie (excitedly). Jimmie saw to-night dat dat 
guy was tryin' to double-cross ye when he met him on 
de street corner of de avenue. He told Jimmie he'd 
give him fifty dollars just to telephome you a lie. Well, 
Jimmie needed de money, an' he made up his mind to 
look out for you an' teach dat fresh guy a lesson. 
I'm sorry he dene it, darlin'. But it will all come 
right, and — sh ! (Puts on wig qiiicMy and sits, left 
of barrel.) 

Jimmie (runs to door and looks off right). It ain't 
nothin'. (Crosses down left.) 

Maggie (rises and continues). So when dat guy 
wanted an old woman to stay wid you, Jimmie said 
dat he knowed one, so he told me all about it an' I fixed 
up an' came. 

Jack. Oh, Maggie, let us go at once. 

Jimmie. What.^ Before I git me twenty-five.'' Sh ! 
He's comin'! (He runs and looks 07it the door. Jack 
makes a funny dive on to mattress. Maggie quickly 
sits, right of barrel.) 

Rider enters from back right. 

Rider. Is she sleeping.'' 
Jimmie. Sure t'ing. 



66 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Rider. You gave her the powder? 

JiMMiE. You hear me warble. 

Rider. I've decided that it is safer to marry her at 
once. 

Jack {springs up quickly). Oh! (Remembers and 
flops down again. Rider looks surprised.) 

JiMMiE (mith a funny little laugh). Ha! Funny 
how she has dem spells. Jest jumps up and hollers 
every minute or so. 

Rider {crosses to Jack and pulls her up.) Jack. 
(She is perfectly limp. He lets her fall back.) We 
must awaken her. A justice of the peace will be here 
in half an hour. (He lifts her to her feet. She re- 
mains limp although she stands.) Jack! Jack! (To 
Jimmie.) Here, you and the hag walk her around 
until she awakens. (Calls to Maggie.) Here, you! 
(Motions her to take hold of Jack.) 

Jimmie (takes hold of Maggie). Come on, mudder. 

(Maggie and Jimmie go to right and left of Jack, 
take her by the arms and walk back and forth across 
the stage with funny business. Jack playing limp.) 

Rider. That's right. Keep her moving. I'll be 

back soon with the justice. 

Jimmie, Sure, bo. We'll keep her movin.' 

Rider. That's right. (Exits, center door and 

right.) 

(Jack, Maggie and Jimmie keep walking until they 
are sure Rider has gone. Then — ) 

Jack (straightens up and laughs). My! I was 
so — 

Maggie. Look out! (They resume same business 
of walking Jack back and forth. Pause; he listens; 
they all stop.) False alarm. 



LITTLE MISS JACK 67 

Maggie. Here, Jack, change clothes with me — 
quick ! Stand outside and watch, Jimmie. 

JiMMiE. Surest t'ing ye know. (^Exits, center door 
and to the right.) 

Maggie. Dat dog hound'll soon be back. {She 
takes off dress or loose wrapper; she has on a funny 
old corset and a red, long-sleeved flannel shirt. Note : 
This business can be done by just changing long cloaks, 
but the other is very funny.) Here; take my dress 
{or "cloak"), and you give me your cloak. Hurry up, 
honey, we'll give dat fresh guy a surprise. Let me 
help ye. Fits quick, don't it, honey. {Helps Jack 
put on dress.) Fasten it here. Dat's de way. Now 
put on de old lady's fixin's. {Puts wig on Jack and 
then an old shawl over her head and shoulders.) Now 
I'll put dis gorgerous op'ry cloak on. Gee, ain't I de 
swell doll! {Very haughtily.) James, is me limmer- 
zine ready? Roll her around to de front door. Gee, 
ain't it great to be rich ! Now, dearie, Jimmie can 
take you out and you can go home. Jump into de first 
taxi ye meet. I'll stay here till Jimmie gits his money. 

Jimmie {off stage, back right). Kin I come in, kids? 

Maggie. Sure. Come on in, Jim. 

Jimmie enters from back right. 

Jimmie. Are ye all ready, kid? 

Maggie. Sure, she's ready. {Puts hood of cloak 
over her own head; or can use veil to cover head and 
face. ) 

Jimmie. Den come on. 

Jack {turning) . I can't go and leave you, Maggie. 

(Jimmie stands in doorway, looking off right.) 

Maggie {crossing up right). Sure, I kin take care 
of meself. Hurry up, Jackie, 



68 LITTLE MISS JACK 

Rider {off stage, back right). This way. Look 
out. 

Maggie. Sh! (Runs quicMy.) 

JiMMiE {in an undertone) . Too late, kid; here he is. 

(Jack runs quickly and sits on box right of barrel. 
Maggie throws herself on the mattress, right, in Jack's 
place. JiMMiE stands up left center.) 

Rider enters from back right, followed by Drake. 

Rider {walking down center, to Jimmie). How is 
she? 

Jimmie. Oh, she's all right. 

Rider {to Drake). This boy will act as witness. 
Come on. 

Jimmie {goes down center). Hold on. I gotta 
have me twenty-five bucks first.' 

Rider {angrily). Well, you're not going to get 
them until to-morrow, according to our agreement. 

Jimmie {with finality). All right, bo. No bucks, 
no weddin' bells. {Starts for door.) 

Rider. Hold on. {Takes bills from pocket.) Here 
— curse you! {Hands money to Jimmie.) 

Jimmie {shoves money in pocket.) Same to you and 
many of 'em. {Goes up center.) 

(Rider goes right, to Maggie, whom he mistakes 
for Jack. Maggie acts stupid, hanging her head so 
Rider cannot see her face. He leads her slowly to left 
of barrel.) 

Rider {to Drake). All right, hurry up. 

Drake {goes down left to them and reads rapidly). 
"Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded 
wife.?" 

Rider. I do! 



LITTLE MISS JACK 69 

Drake (to Maggie). "Do you take this man to be 
your lawfully wedded husband?" 

(Maggie does not reply. There is a pause.) 

Rider (impatiently). All right. She said, "I do." 
Maggie. Dat's a durn lie! (Throws cloak aside, re- 
vealing her face. Rider falls hack, astonished. She 
turns to him. ) You low-down, «neakin' crooked crook ! 
(She crosses to Drake, who has retreated to the ex- 
treme left.) And you get out o' here pretty durn 
quick ! I know you, Mr. Drake. Now, you git! 

(Drake, frightened, backs away from Maggie down 
stage, then suddenly runs quickly through doorway 
and off right.) 

Rider (to Jimmie). What the deuce does this mean? 

Maggie (turns on Rider). Just dis; you're goin' 
to git what's comin' to you ! 

Jimmie (who has been standing at right of door, 
crosses down to barrel). Surest t'ing ye know. 

Rider. Where is the girl? 

Jack (rising and taking off wig). Here I am, Mr. 
Rider — and with friends. (Slips out of dress or cloak 
which she has over her own dress.) 

Rider (threateningly). I'll see you again! (Starts 
toward door.) 

Jimmie (anticipating Rider, juTtips to door and 
bars the way; he has quietly drawn a revolver). Don't 
be in a hurry, bo. Stay an' visit a spell. 

Rider (backs away, left, but tries big bluff). 
Are you trying to frighten me? 

Jimmie. I ain't tryin', bo. I gotcha faded and 
tied to de mast. Hold up y'r hands — stick 'em up ! 
Dat's de ticket to de ball game. Now sit down over 
dere (waves Rider to right of barrel). Hurry up, or 



70 LITTLE MISS JACK 

I'll make ye t'ink it's Fourt' of July, an' dat y're sur- 
rounded wid firecrackers. (Rider, frightened, backs 
down stage and sits right of barrel. Jimmie crosses 
down to left of barrel.) Here, Mag. Dere's a little 
white powder in me left-hand vest pocket. Mr. Rider 
ain't feelin' welL I t'ink a little sleep would keep him 
quiet until de doctor comes. 

^ibeh. {springs up angrily). See here! You can't — 

Jimmie (angrily and determinedly). Mr. Rider, if 
ye t'ink y'r bean is wort' anyt'ing to ye, sit down ! 
(Rider sizes up Jimmie, sees he means it and slowly 
sits down. Maggie takes a small paper powder out of 
Jimmie's vest pocket.) Put dat powder in a little 
water, Mag, an' give it to Mr. Rider. 

Maggie (puts powder in water in glass on barrel, 
crosses and offers glass to Rider). Here, pretty boy. 
Drink dis f'r mudder. 

Rider (is going to refuse, then sees the gun in Jim- 
mie's hand, and drinks). See here. I'll give you a 
hundred dollars — 

Jimmie. Gee ! A hundred dollars ! 

Rider (anxiously). Yes. 

Jimmie. Have ye got it wid ye? 

Rider. Yes. 

Jimmie. Let's see it. 

Rider (takes bill from pocket). There. 

Jimmie. An' I kin. have dat.f* Ye mean it-f* 

Rider. Yes, I mean it. 

Jimmie. Take it, Mag. (Maggie takes it quickly.). 

Rider. On condition that you will let me go, of 
course. 

Jimmie. No, bo. I like ye too well to let ye go. 
But I'll keep de money f'r de damage ye done me 
feelin's, when ye fought ye could bribe me to cheat 



LITTLE MISS JACK 71 

Dr. Carljle out of de joy he's goin' to feel when he 
gits his mitts on you. 

Rider (blustering). I'll have you arrested for 
stealing that money. 

JiMMLE. I ain't stealin' it, bo. Ye gave it to Mag- 
gie. Besides, too much money ain't good f'r ye, bo. It 
makes ye t'ink ye kin buy anyt'ing wid it. Now, I 
ain't so spoiled. Give me de money, Maggie. (Holds 
out left hand, but keeps gun in right, pointed at 
Rider.) 

Maggie. No, Jimmie ; it might spoil ye. I'll keep 
it. (Puts bill in her stocking.) 

Jimmie (m comic dismay). What do you know 
about dat! Dat's right, Mag. Start a bank account 
f'r de children. (Grins.) Surest t'ing ye know. 

Rider (defiantly). Look here, Jim — 

- (Doctor knocks outside door, back right.) 

Jimmie. Here dey are. 

Rider (jumps up, frightened). Jim — be square 
with a pal. 

(Doctor knocks again.) 

Jimmie (to Rider). Stay where you are! Open de 
door, Mag. 

(Maggie runs out doorway and off right. Rider 
stands right of center, facing the doorway, and xmth 
his back half -turned to the audience.) 

Maggie (of stage, back right). Hello, doctor. 
We've been waitin' for ye. 

Doctor and Paul enter from back right. 

Jack (running up to doorway). Daddy! 
Doctor (taking her in his arms). My little girl! 
(Sees Rider.) And you, Rider — 



72 LITTLE MISS JACK 

(Rider, he ginning to feel the effects of the powder, 
stupidly makes a dash for the door. Paul stops him, 
and there is a short struggle.) 

Paul. No you don't, Rider! (Throws him down at 
left.) 

Doctor (turns at door and looks off, back right). 
All right, officer. 

Rider (feeling drowsy). Let me — ex— explain. 

Jones enters from back right, crosses down left and 
takes hold of Rider. 

JiMMiE. Take him to de coop, officer, an' put him 
to bed. He's sleepy. 

Doctor. I'll follow soon, officer. 

(Jones exits with Rider, throtigh doorway and off 
right.) 

Doctor. Jimmie, it looks as if we owe you a lot. 

JiMMiE (standing at left, beside Maggie). Oh, dat's 
all right, doc'. Pay me when ye git ready. I don't 
need de money jes' now. 

(Jack stands on tiptoes and whispers in Doctor's 
ear.) 

Doctor (smiles). Paul. She said, "yes." 

Paul (holding out his arms to her). Jackie! (Jack 
runs into his arms.) 

Jimmie (holding his arms open). Maggie! Slide 
to first base! 

(Maggie slides into Jimmie 's arms. Doctor laughs 
heartily.) 

Curtain. 



Denison^s Select Plays 

ALL ON ACCOUNT OF POLLY 

By Harry L. Newton. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 10 
females (2 children). Time, 2%, hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

AN ARIZONA COWBOY 

By Sheldon Parmer. Comedy-drama in 4 acts; 7 males, 
5 females. Time, 2^4 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

A CABIN COURTSHIP 

By rrene Jean Crandall. Comedy in 3 acts; 5 males, 
4 females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

CLUBBING A HUSBAND 

By Edith F. A,U. Painton. Comedy in 3 acts; 12 fe- 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

By Walter Ben Hare. Biblical drama in 3 acts; 3 males, 
16 females. Time, 214 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 



THE KINGDOM OF HEART'S CONTENT 

By Lindsey Barbee. College comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 
12 females. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE LAUGHING CURE 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Comedy in 2 acts; 4 males, 
5 females. Time, 1% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

LIGHTHOUSE NAN 

By Sheldon Parmer. Sea-coast drama in 3 acts; 5 males, 
4 females. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

RUTH IN A RUSH 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 5 males, 7 fe- 
males. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

A SOUTHERN CINDERELLA 

By Walter Ben Hare. Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 7 fe- 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

A TRIAL OF HEARTS 

By Lindsey Barbee. College comedy in 4 acts; 6 males, 
18 females. Time, 2% hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

WAY DOWN ALONG ~ 

By Gladys Ruth Bridgham. Comedy in prologue and 
2 acts; 7 males, 3 females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

623 S. Wabash Ave, • CHICAGO 



1-722 



Denison^s Acting Plays 

Our list comprises hundreds of titles 
— comedies, dramas, farces, vaudeville 
sketches, musical comedies and revues, 
minstrel material, little theatre playlets, 
etc. All shades of sentiment are rep- 
resented, and all varieties of talent, 
number of characters and time required 
in presentation are provided for in this 
list, Denison's Acting Plays contain 
detailed description of stage business, 
characters, costumes, settings, and full 
instructions for staging. 

Popular Entertainment Books 

In this series are books touching 
every feature in the entertainment field; 
Dialogues for all ages, Speakers, Reci- 
tations, Monologues, Drills, Entertain- 
ments, suitable for all occasions; hand- 
books for home, school and church, etc. 
Over sixty titles, each written by a 
specialist in his given line. The books 
are finely made, clear print, good paper, 
and each has a most attractive, individ- 
ual cover design. One of the best and 
most complete entertainment series 
published. 

Send for Complete Descriptive Catalogue 

T. S. Deiiison& Company, Publishers 

623 S. Wabash Ave, CHICAGO 



m- 



